PS 3525 

.1645 
J8 
1902 
Copy 1 



JUDITH; 

OR, 

The Wife of Manasseh 



A FICTIONAL DRAMA. 



BY 



S. A. MILLS. 




JUDITH; 



OR, 



The Wife of Manasseh 



A FICTIONAL DRAMA. 



BY 



S. A. MILLS 



HAMILTON PRINT, 12 BARCLAY STREET, N. Y. TELEPHONE, 8573 CORT. 









THE LISRAf^Y OF 

CONGRESS, 
Two Cop»fc6 Recsived 

SEP. 8 1902 

Copyright entry 

CLASS 4^XXa No. 

CO^Y B. 



Copyright 1902, 

BY 
SAMUKly Al^FRKD MlI,I,S. 



JUDITH. 

CHARACTERS. 

ISRAKIvlTES. 

Judith A Prophetess of Bethulia. 

Abramie ) 

and y Judith's Maids. 

Dinah. ) 

G01.THONIE1. Chief of the Bethulian Army. 

Chabris One of the Civil Governors of Bethulia. 

AZARIAS ] 

and [- Captains under Golthoniel. 

Rafas. ) 

Reuben A Veteran Soldier of Bethulia. 

Carmi, ) 

jAEi., >■ Soldiers of Bethulia. 

Charmis. ) 

Joachim _. Priest of Bethulia. 

Ada A Woman of Bethulia. 

A Mourner. 

Citizens of Bethulia. 

ASSYRIANS. 

HD1.0FERNES Prince of Assyria. 

ARZAEI.E His Wife. 

Vagao Prime Minister of Assyria. 

ZEBDUiyiyA. Chief|,'Captain of Assyria. 

Captains of the Assyrian Army. 

Dancers. 

Musicians. 



JUDITH. 



ACT I. 

PmW.— About 1,000 years B. C. 

Time, — Three hours after noon. 

Soe7ie, — The battlements of Bethulia, with high and rugged 
hills in the near and farther distance. 

Battlements. — The battlements, about twelve feet wide, 
form back part of stage and are about ten feet high looking 
from audience. 

From C. of battlements there rises a low square tower, about 
nine feet square, so that a man can easily walk up and down 
the battlements past tower, in front of it. 

Two closed doors are immediately under tower; these doors 
form entrance C. Immediately on L. and K. of these doors 
steps rise from stage to top of battlements. 

On L. of tower a ladder rises from battlements to top of 
tower. 

Stage. — A tomb is at E. C. shown by raised horizontal slab. 
On L. of steps, which are on L. of doors 0., several spears 
stand, leaning against battlements. 

West is beyond L. of stage. South is beyond back of stage. 

Entrances,— G., L. 1, L. 2, L. 3, K. 1, R. 2, R. 3. 

Discovered on Battlements. — Six soldiers, three each side of 
tower, moving to and fro on the watch; (Reuben being L. of 
tower and Charmis half way between R. of tower and wing R. ) 

On Tower.— Qid^xmi, R. Jael, L. Azarias on top of steps R. 
Rafas down stage L. 

AzAKiAS shading his eyes with his right hand, stands on 
top of steps R. of doors 0., looking towards mountains, beyond 
back right half of stage. Rafas is down stage L. 



6 JUDITH, 

Rafas (walks from L. to L. 0., then back to L.^ looks off, 
then looks towards Azarias). 

All is quiet in the city. 

Azarias (looks toward Rafas). 
Yea, and on the hills there is no sign of the enemy. 

Rafas. 
^Tis an ominous calm, Azarias. 

Azarias (reflectively). 

Yea, Rafas, — like the desert, before the storm of burning 
wind and scorching sand. (He walks past tower to steps L. of 
doors C, and, shading his eyes with his left hand, looks 
towards mountains, beyond back, left half of stage.) 

Rafas (sighing, walks to L. 0. and back to L.). 

Ah! Ah! (He looks off left, then turns away disappointed 
and speaks aside.) No sound! — No life! — This silence! ^Tis 
weird! unnatural! It haunteth me like some frightful dream! 
(He rubs his eyes with his left hand.) 

Azarias (looks towards Rafas and rubs his eyes with his 

right hand). 

The glare ! doth it distress thee ? 

Rafas. 

Sorely ! — 'Tis as fierce a summer as that of ten years ago. 
The hot air trembleth, walls split; and the leaves fall from the 
withered trees. 

Azarias (on steps L.). 

Yea, the heat of noon still oppresseth all life of the earth, 
though mark, the sun turneth westward. (He points to- 
wards L.) 



JUDITH. 7 

Rapas (advances to spears^ takes one, brings it C. and stands 
it perpendicularly; the spear^s shadow falls towards R.). 

My spear throweth a shadow a sword's length or more ! 

AzARiAS (descends steps, come to R. of Rafas and looks at 

shadow). 

'Tis three hours after mid- day, and four hours past our 
watch. 

Rafas. 

And the first day since the siege began that a watch hath 
not been relieved to time, (He goes with spear towards other 
spears.) 

Az ARIAS (C). 

Four hours! Tis long! 

Rafas (in putting spear down, sees Charmis). 

Grievous long for yon soldier. (Azarias looks.) Note how 
he bendeth with the burden of his armor. 

Azarias. 

Like a bough warped by the sun. (In louder voice. ) Charmis, 
rest thee in the shadow of the tower. 

Charmis. 

Thanks! Thanks! my Captain! (Charmis comes to R. of 
tower and reclines in shade on top of battlements.) 

Rafas (comes down to L. C.) 
Thou farest well, Azarias? 

Azarias (at C). 

Heartily well — and thou ? 

Rafas (L. C). 

It troLibleth me that our relief cometh not, and no word from 
Golthoniel. (He goes L. and looks off anxiously.) 



8 JUDITH, 

AZARIAS. 

'Tis strange he leaveth us in this suspense. (He comes to- 
wards Kafas.) 

Kafas (as Azarias comes to him). 

Four hours! (They both look off L., Azarias on R. of 
Rafas.) Hath some mischance occurred? An affair of coun- 
cil? — a move of the enemy? 

Azarias. 

Doubtless some change of plan. (Walks to C.) Let us 
keep guard and not concern ourselves. 

Rafas. 

Aye! (Comes to L. C.) Rather consider the strength of 
our position. 

Azarias. 

In truth! For eighty days we men of Bethulia have stopped 
the march of the host of Holof ernes! 

Rafas. 

And we are still invincible! — (Suddenly struck by a thought, 
he comes to L. of Azarias.) Azarias! thou didst promise to 
show me how Golthoniel tricked them with his sword. 

Azarias. 

AVell remembered ! Thou knowest that training as a scout 
hath given him an eye keen as the great eaglets ? 

Rafas (C). 

I have seen him look at the sun without flinching. 

Azarias. 

Then thou wilt instantly understand. (Azarias draws sword.) 
He stood with his sword, so. The Assyrians could come at 
him only one by one in the narrow path. And as each came, 
Golthoniel fixed his eyes on those of the foe, and the instant 
the foe's eyes blinked or trembled 



JUDITH, 9 

Rafas (interrupting with excited exclamation). 
Ah! 

AZARIAS. 

Golthoniel ran his man through or cut him down. 

Rafas (walking excitedly with upraised fist to L. C). 
Long live such swordsmen as our chief! 

AzARiAS (at 0. sheathes sword). 

^Twas a mighty example. Since that day our spirits have 
grown brighter and brighter. (They cross, Azarias to L. C. 
Rafas to R. 0.) 

Rafas. 

Indeed the siege could not go better with us. Although the 
Assyrians entirely surround us we have lost but four hundred 
men. 

Azarias. 

Yet awhile since thou and I began to ask ourselves. Why 
is our relief delayed and why cometh no message from 
Grolthoniel? (Rafas suddenly becomes crestfallen. Azarias 
speaks in surprise.) Why? How now? 

Rafas (coming to R. of Azarias) 

Despite thy cheering words anxiety clingeth to me. Twas 
born yesternight, when the five thousand went forth. I cannot 
throw it off me. (Walking to L. and speaking fearfully.) This 
delay, Azarias! (Looks off left.) 

Azarias (half carelessly). 

Art restless — 'tis no more. (Rafas looks off and listens, 
Azarias watches Rafas.) 



No sign? 
None. 



Azarias (anxiously). 
Rafas (sadly). 



10 JUDITH. 

AzARiAS (throwing off his anxiety). 

Would that thou and I were with the five thousand! (He 
comes C; Eafas comes to L. C.) (With intensity.) To press 
on through the night, to steal like spirits to the lines of the 
Assyrians, to charge through them, to speed on to our main 
army and to bring it hither, — ^its victory! (They cross.) 

KAFAS. 

Yet the citizens call the five thousand a forlorn hope, and 
already mourn over them. 

AZAKIAS (L. C). 

Bah! (This speech to be worked up.) The five thousand 
will strike the Assyrian circle where the guard is weakest, and 
cutting their way through, the glitter of their swords will 
quickly crown the southern mountain (pointing), and evoke 
thunders of welcome from the army of Judea ! 

Eafas (hurries to K. of Azarias and puts his left hand on 
Azarias right shoulder). 

(This speech to be worked up.) Surely! for thou speakest 
like a soldier and an orator! What a day ^twill be when our 
brethren return with the might of Israel to give battle to 
Holof ernes! (Azarias, hearing a strange sound, starts and 
goes a few steps up stage L. listening. Audience hears noth- 
ing.) 

RA.FAS (with surprised and altered manner). 

What didst thou hear ? 

Azarias. 

^Tis not what I heard — ^tis what the sound suggested! 

Eafas. 

Methought I heard a mysterious 

Azarias. 
Yea! 



JUDITH. 11 

Kafas. 

A — -a — voice? (They look at each other with wonder and 
inquiry.) 

Az ARIAS (very solemnly). 

Ask the guard to stand quiet. (He goes L., looks off, 
listening.) 

Kafas. 

Eeuben, Carmi, Jael, and ye^ and ye^ attend with your eyes 
and ears. 

Keubek, Oarmi and Jael (quietly, as they turn). 

Aye! Aye! Aye! (They listen.) 

(Eafas walks to E., looks off, and listens.) 
(All listen; those on right half facing E., those on 
left half facing L. There is a long wailing moan 
without L. Those on E. half instantly turn L.) 

Eafas (in alarm, E.). 
What cry is that f 

AzARiAS (L. in despair; aside). 

The voice of my brother. (Looking despairingly on the 
ground he comes L. C.) 

Eeuben. 

It soundeth like the wail of wounded. (Eafas comes 0., up 
stage.) 

AzARiAS (at L. C, with back to soldiers). 

There can be no wounded. 

Kafas (C). 

ISTay! there hath been no conflict for ten days. (He goes to 
L. and looks off.) It seemed to come along the surface of the 
earth. (Looks towards tower.) Canst thou perceive anything, 
Oarmi ? 



12 JUDITH, 

Carmi (on tower R.). 

Nay, my Captain. 

Rafas (L.). 
Or thou, Jael ? 

Jael (on tower L.). 

Nothing, my Captain. (Rafas looks towards Azarias as if to 
speak.) 

Carmi. 

Most likely ^tis a spy. (Rafas looks towards Carmi.) 

Reubei^. 

Aye! they have caught him, and he sobs as they tie him to 
the ground and pile the wood about him. 

Rafas. 
But how could a spy enter Bethulia ? 

Azarias (L. C, with his back to the others). 

Only by dropping from the clouds. (Soldiers continue 
watching L. eagerly.) 

Rafas (looks at Azarias and says meditatively). 

It can be no spy. 

Reuben (suddenly). 

I see who are moaning — two women and two men in rags 
huddled in a dark gateway. Look! three hundred paces 
yonder ! 

Rafas (turns and looks oflE). 

Yea! (Turns to Azarias.) Azarias! (Azarias takes a step L. 
and looks.) Behold! past the dark wall. 

Azarias (looking towards L.). 

Aye ! (He turns his back to Rafas and stands despondent. 
Soldiers continue watching L. ) 



JUDITH, IS 

Eafas (watches Azarias^ demeanour with deep concern^ then 
comes to L. of Azarias, and with his R. hand takes 
Azarias' left arm). 

Hath Azarias, the brave Jewish captain, dropped his sword 
at the trick of a few beggars ? 

AzAKiAS (without turning to Rafas). 

Don^t mock me Rafas — in a besieged town that moan must 
hegin with the beggars. 

Rafas (releases Azarias and speaks with concern). 
Thou hast heard it before in thy life ? 

Azarias (looks fixedly at Rafas, then speaks). 
^Tis the moan of men lost in the desert! 

Rafas (in whispered consternation). 
Not that! 

Azarias. 
Yea — tTiat, (He walks to 0.) 

Rafas. 
I dare not ask — yet I must! (Comes to L. of Azarias.) Thy 
brother and thyself were lost in the great sand desert. ^Fore 
Heaven I speak plainly — what is in thy mind ? 

Azarias (in husky voice and agony of recollection). 

The desert — the day of fire — of blinded eyes, of parched 

tongues 

Rafas (drawing back). 

^Tis third! thou say est it! 

Azarias. 

The night of fever, of blackness, of desolation, broken by 
the flapping of huge wings! ^Moans without L.) (With a look 
of horror.) And a moan like that came from my brother, 
when, at the rising of the sun, his heart stopped. And as I 
bent over my brother, a cloud came between the sun and me. 
I turned — a huge vulture! (He turns aside R.) 



U JUDITH. 

Kafas (looking towards Azarias). 

Thou hast planted thy fear in my breast. The Lord grant 
thy judgment is mistaken. (Soldiers who have been intently 
looking towards L. turn to each other, interchange significant 
glances^ point to L., drawing each others attention to L. 
Soldiers on K. of tower move up closer towards tower. All 
manifest excitement.) 

Kafas (turning and perceiving soldiers^ advances towards 

Eeuben). 

Speak, man, speak! What dost thou see ? 

Keube:n'. 

I see Golthoniel followed by crowd in sackcloth and ashes. 

AzAKiAS and Eafas (in astonishment). 

Ah! (They hurry to L. 2 and look off. Azarias on E. of 
Eafas. ) 

Rafas (very excitedly). 

Ohabris, the Ancient, joineth them; he beckoneth; the 
crowd presseth upon Golthoniel. 

Azarias (excited). 

He waveth them back — one woman runneth to him with her 
child in her arms, the other women cling around him, — Ohabris 
and the old men fall on their knees before him and hold up 
their hands. (He stands in complete despondency.) 

Eafas (with attempted assurance). 

Look again Azarias — they point to the hills — they are be- 
seeching him to save them from the Assyrians. ^Tis a panic 
among the populace! — Look! — Golthoniel and Chabris break 
from the throng and hasten hither ! (Walks to C.) A panic ! — 
is not that the reason our relief did not come ? 

Azarias (walks to L. C). 
But the cause of the panic, Eafas ? — the cause ? — Why cometh 
Chabris, one of the city governors, with Golthoniel? (He ap- 
peals to Eafas who stands as if struck dumb.) 



JUDITH, 15 

Eafas (whispers to himself in fear). 

Yea — why? — Why — cometh — Chabris. (There is the grow- 
ing clamour of an approaching throngs worked up to loud 
pitch for Golthoniel^s entrance. Enter Golthoniel L. 3. He 
is taller and more imposing than either Azarias or Rafas, and 
he wears a brighter costume. He stops immediately at 
entrance. Chabris enters immediately after Golthoniel and 
stops at entrance. ) 

Chabris. 

Stop Golthoniel I — be advised! — To fight on is madness — 
thou must surrender! (Azarias and Rafas and soldiers start and 
stop with one accord and strain forward listening. Golthoniel 
draws sword^ walks to back of tomb and holds sword point 
down on marble slab.) 

Goltho:n'iel (facing left). 

Citizens of Bethulia! — niy first and last words to you! Here, 
on the tomb of the Prophet, my soldiers and I have sworn 
never to surrender ! (Azarias, Eafas and soldiers give gestures 
of approval. Soldiers resume sentry march.) 

Chabris. 

The Lord and the Prophets judge between us and thee; for 
to-day thou shouldst ask peace of Holofernes. 

GoLTHOiiriEL (loudly, defiantly). 

With my sword ! (He raises sword to perpendicular. ) 

Picture. 

(Exit Chabris, L. 3.) 

Voices (without). 

We perish! — Oh-h-h! (Azarias and Eafas hurry towards 
Golthoniel, he sheathes his sword, and looking towards L. 
stops the advance of Azarias and Eafas by raising his right 
hand. All three watch left, while noise gradually subsides. 
Then Golthoniel drops his right hand. Azarias and Eafas 
hurry to L. of him.) 



16 JUDITH. 

Eapas (anxiously). 

What doth it mean? 

GoLTHONiEL (places his L. hand on Azarias^ K. shoulder and 
K. hand onEafas^ L. shoulder, and comes with them to C). 

The Assyrians have cut the aqueduct! — Bethulia is without 
water ! 

Eafas (in horrer, going three steps E.). 
Oh-h-h! 

Az ARIAS (in despair, going three steps L.). 

I feared it! I knew it! (There is stillness, then Charmis, E. 
of tower, stands up trying to speak and falls with a loud clatter 
of armour upon battlements. The two soldiers on E. of tower 
hurry to Charmis, and one raises his head. Golthoniel, Azarias 
and Eafas look towards Charmis.) 

Charmis (despairingly). 

Golthoniel! Golthoniel! (Grolthoniel hurries up steps E., 
kneels on one knee E. of Charmis and raises his head.) Aza- 
rias and Eafas watch this. Soldiers L. of tower come to front 
of tower and watch; Carmi and Jael look down E. from top of 
tower.) 

GOLTHOKIEL. 

Sunstroke! (General sensation.) He dieth — he is dead! 
(All but Golthoniel uncover their heads; he lays body down, 
rises, uncovers.) Place him in the first room of the tower — 
anon his own will come for him. (Four soldiers lift body, de- 
scend E. steps with it, carry it through C. doors, then those 
left on stage cover their heads.) 

Azarias (aside). 

Is this the beginning of the end ? (Golthoniel descends E. 
steps and comes towards C, Eafas goes to meet him, E. of 
him.) 

Eafas (in half whisper). 

How contrived the Assyrians to cut the aqueduct ? (Azarias 
looks towards Golthoniel and Eafas.) 



JUDITH. 17 

GOLTHONIEL (at C). 

A landslip enabled them to do it. And now every spring 
and rivulet are guarded by their soldiery. 

AzARiAS (coming from L. C. to L. of Golthoniel). 

Let us attack them ! 

Golthoniel. 
Nay! Think I Our garrison is but ten thousand. Can we 
lead them against thirty thousand ? And if we do, the main 
army of the Assyrians will rush upon our city. (Soldiers re- 
enter through C. doors and resume their places on battle- 
ments.) 

AZARIAS. 

In the five thousand then is our one hope ? 

G0LTH0]^IEL. 

Yea I God speed their bravest ! 

Az ARIAS (starting). 
Why ? What knowest thou ? 

Rafas (appalled). 
Doth fate encompass us ? 

Golthoniel. 
From the great tower I have seen the Assyrians marching to 
the southern mountain. 

AZARIAS. 

A surround! 

Eafas. 

Have the citizens seen them ? 

Golthoniel. 
Nay I Though many strain their eyes the distance is too 
great for them to distinguish objects. 

AZARIAS. 

'Tis fortunate, for they are already loud in their lamenta- 
tions. 



18 JUDITH. 

Eafas. 

And are filled with fearful presentiments. 

GOLTHONIEL. 

^Tis clear that each of us foreseeth 

AZAEIAS. 

Civil strife. 

Eapas. 
The mob ! 

GOLTHO^IEL. 

Yea — already many suffer from thirsty and were my knowl- 
edge added to their sufferings 

Eafas (in awed whisper). 
Tell us! 

AZARIAS. 

The worst! 

GOLTHONIEL. 

The citizens have seen nothing; they know not what you 
two now share with me — the Assyrians came from all sides, 
column on column, forming a square with our five thousand in 
the centre. 

AZARIAS AKD EafAS. 

0-h-h! 

GOLTHONIEL. 

Summon your heart-strength to bear this news. I fear — I 
do not say I knoiv — but Ifear, the five thousand are cut down 
to a man. 

Eafas. 

Our plight, then, couid not be more desperate — at this time 

of the year the sun burneth like an oven (Motioning his 

L. hand towards tower.) Eain never falleth — not even a drop 
of dew! 

AZARIAS. 

Only the God of Israel can save us! (Enter L. 3. crowd in 
sackcloth and ashes with white haggard faces.) 



JUDITH, 19 

GOLTHOKIEL. 

Yea, even now, the citizens come to the tomb of the Prophet 
to beseech the intervention of Heaven. Come with me, Rafas. 
(Golthoniel and Rafas go out R. 2. Azarias goes L. C. The 
crowd kneels round tomb and holds up supplicating hands.) 

Ceowd. 

Water! Water I or we die I Water! Water! (Crowd prays 
silently.) 

AzAKiAS (to himself at L. C). 

Water! Water! or we die! That cry will be borne on the 
midnight breeze to the very tent of Holofernes. What is our 
courage now? What are our swords? The Assyrians will 
strike not another blow against us. But their chiefs, hearin g 
that cry, will feast and drink and laugh with the women of 
their harems, hold festivity night and day, waiting their time, 
till the last of us — the best of us— Golthoniel himself — falleth 
like a withered sheaf in the furrow, and the vultures sit 
around the battlements of Bethulia. 

Reuben" (loud announcement). 

The Priest! (The whole stage and soldiers on battlements 
uncover heads and kneel. Enter L. 3. Priest followed by 
two Levites with incense. The priest stands up stage C, it 
being forbidden for Jewish priests to come close to a dead 
body or burying place. The Levites stand behind priest.) 

Priest (up stage C, prays). 

God of Israel, hear Thy children! At the tomb of the 
Prophet Thy faithful people cry to Thee! Hearken unto us 
oh, Father! or the sons and daughters and babes of Bethulia all 
perish! (Momentary picture.) (The people pray silently; 
Azarias rises and remains L. C. Soldiers rise. Enter L. 2. 
Chabris in sackloth and ashes. He flings his arms wildly.) 

Chabris (loudly and excitedly as he walks towards crowd). 

Woe, woe, to Bethulia! Why pray ye? The God of Israel 
hath forsaken us! (His words cause sensation among crowd.) 



20 JUDITH. 

Pkiest (up stage C. ). 
Ohabris^ thou speakest blasphemy; the God of Israel will 
hear us! (He comes to L. C. Levites with incense retire up 
stage L.) 

Ohabris (turns from crowd and cries louder as he comes 
towards priest). 

Woe, woe, to the mothers and babes! Woe, woe, to the 
wives and the maidens! (Some of the crowd rise excitedly. 
Golthoniel swiftly enters L. 2, confronts Chabris.) 

GoLTHONiEL (at L. C, in voice of thunder). 

Silence! (Enter Eafas L. 2.) 

(Chabris, looking fiercely at Golthoniel, moves back 
towards crowd, which has become more excited, many 
having risen from their knees. Azarias goes to L. of 
Golthoniel; Eafas to E. of Golthoniel. The crowd, 
breaking into groups of two or three, willingly listens to 
Chabris, who goes to each group inciting them against 
Golthoniel. The priest, with praying gesture and eyes 
raised to Heaven, moves up stage L. ) 

Eafas. 
He hath terrified the women with his clamour. 

Azarias. 
More ! He hath excited and goaded the men ! 

GOLTHOKIEL. 

Yea — they regard him, because he is one of the Civil Gov- 
ernors. (Chabris looks towards Golthoniel, then resumes his 
whispering.) 

Azarias. 

His looks are most evil towards us. 

Golthoniel. 

Watch! He stirreth up strife! 

Azarias. 

As he whispereth they turn their faces — they hate us ! 



JUDITH, 21 

Rafas. 
Shall we order the watch to seize him ? 

GOLTHONIEL. 

Nay — at present their sympathy is with him. To use force 
is to throw fuel on the fire he kindleth. 

Crowd (which is now worked up to thorough excitement). 

Speak! ChabrisI Speak I (The priest, greatly alarmed, 
moves forward from up stage L. to up stage L. C. with depre- 
cating gesture, but the crowd shake their fists at him, and he 
retires again up stage L.) 

Chabris (comes to C). 

Men and women! did ye mark the tone of Golthoniel? 
^Twas a threat against a citizen ! (A subdued growl and threat- 
ening gestures from crowd.) What careth he for the poor 
among ye ? 

Crowd (in long growling tone). 

iSTayl Nothing! 

Chabris. 

The rich have water ! (The crowd turn with excitement to 
one another.) The priest hath water! (The crowd gesture 
threatening towards priest, who gestures ^^Nay.^^) Golthoniel 
and his soldiers have secret stores of water! (There is uproar 
for a few moments. Chabris holds the crowd back with upraised 
K. hand; the uproar subsides.) But the poor die, and this 
woman here prayeth for a cup of water for her babe, and Gol- 
thoniel heedeth not. (He points to Ada, who is in the front 
rank. The crowd is on the impulse to run forward to L. ) Wait I 
(To Ada.) Come forward thou ! (Chabris escorts Ada to Gol- 
thoniel. She kneels at Golthoniel^s feet.) 

(To Golthoniel.) Since to me thou callest silence, answer 
this woman when she beggeth of thee! (Chabris steps up 
stage towards C. and watches Golthoniel.) 



22 JUDITH. 

Ada. 

Water! Water! for my child! One cup of water or my babe 
will die! (She sobs over her child. ) 

GOLTHONIEL. 

Good woman^ I cannot help thee. (Crowd moves excitedly. 
Chabris restrains them.) Some citizens have a little store of 
water. Go beg of them. The soldiers who defend thee have 
not one measure. (The crowd is appeased.) 

Chabris (sees change in crowd and comes down stage to E. of 

Golthoniel). 

Do they defend her when babe fainteth in her arms ? (The 
crowd is moved to hostile feeling against Golthoniel.) 

Golthoniel (L. C). 

More lives are lost than this babe^s^ thou cowardly reasoner. 
Mothers give their sons each time soldiers fall upon the bat- 
tlements. Mothers gave their sons when the five thousand 
went forth yesternight. (The crowd is appeased.) 

Chabris (stepping excitedly to C). 

Yea — gave them^ knowing they would not return. Dost 
think we will again follow thy guidance ? Thou didst send 
them to the slaughter! ^Twas thy blunder. (He takes a step 
or two up stage and points with L. hand towards mountains 
over L. half of battlements, causing crowd to move towards 
him, all listening intently.) With the dawn I left the city, 
and walked three miles to yonder hill. At every step I risked 
capture. Bat I crawled to the summit and hid myself. From 
thence I saw thirty thousand Assyrians surround and destroy 
our soldiers. (Everyone but Golthoniel is thunderstruck. 
Azarias and Kafas shrink, but Golthoniel faces the situation 
with brave calm. ) 

Priest (comes forward; gasps the words). 
Chabris, is this true ? 



JUDITH. 23 

Ada (L. C. springs up pointing upwards L.). 

Vultures I Vultures! (Everyone on stage and soldiers on 
battlements look up L. All but Golthoniel become very ex- 
cited. ) 

Carmi (on tower). 

Aye! There! 

Eeuben. 
Here! 

Voices from Crowd. 

There! Another! Oh! There! 

Chabris (0.^ loudly ;, on top of the excitement). 

Flying to the southern mountain, where the Assyrians over- 
whelmed our brethren. Look! the vultures cover the sky! 
Who doubted ^tis as I said? Behold the dreadful proof! (The 
crowd around tomb gives way to lamentations and wringing 
of hands. ) 

Ada (L. C). 

Oh-h! my husband! My babels father! 

Golthoniel (comes 0., Chabris goes up stage a few steps to- 
wards E. C). 

My sisters, my brothers, give not way to despair. Faith and 
courage! Faith and courage a little while longer. If but one 
of our comrades escape — but onQ — he can return in three days 
with the army of Judea ! 

Chabris (comes to K. of Golthoniel.) 

Eemember the horsemen! The horsemen of Holof ernes! 
How can one soldier escape their long spears ? Eemember the 
horsemen ! (Instantly Carmi cries out.) 

Carmi (on tower). 

A cloud! (The whole stage look in the southerly direction 
indicated by Carmi.) 

Priest (up stage L. C). 
A miracle ! 



2J,, JUDITH. 

AzARiAS (L. 0. to Eafas). 

A mirage. (He and Eafas hurry up steps L. of doors 0. 
and look towards south.) 

GOLTHOKIEL. 

A cloud ? 

Caemi. 

Eising behind the southern mountain! 

Priest. 
We are saved! The God of Israel hath heard us! (The 
crowd manifests great joy. Clasping each others hands and 
pointing towards cloud.) 

Az ARIAS (on top of L. steps). 

Wouldst thou look Golthoniel ? Thine eyes are better than 
ours! (He returns with Eafas L. 0.) 

Voices. 

Yea! Yea! Look Golthoniel! (Golthoniel goes up L. 
steps in absolute silence^ goes to far side of battlements L. of 
tower, and looks towards cloud. Then he turns and comes 
sorrowfully to top of L. steps.) 

Priest (anxiously). 
^Tis a rainstorm ? 

Voices (from crowd). 
Yea! Quick! Tell us! Speak Golthoniel! 
GoLTHOKiEL (top of steps L.). 

My sisters — my brothers — 'tis no cloud. ^Tis the dust raised 
by the ten thousand horsemen of Holofernes galloping across 
the plain. (The crowd fall on their knees, wring their hands 
and moan in despair.) 

Crowd (moaning.) 

Oh-h-h! (Ada at L. C. rises and weeping over her child 
goes to L. of tomb and prays.) 



JUDITH. 25 

Chabris. 

Again, proof of my words vouchsafed in awful form. Tis 
the truth clear and terrible, — not one of our brethren can es- 
cape to lead our main army hither. And that army, knowing 
not that we die of thirst, and believing us safe for many days, 
will not hasten to our relief. (Golthoniel descends steps and 
comes L. of Chabris at C.) 

Voices. 
Kay! Nay! They will come not! We are doomed ? Oh-h-h! 

Chabris (fiercely). 

Open the gates to Holof ernes! (The crowd as one spring to 
their feet in excitement.) 

Golthoniel (in outburst). 

Silence! or the swords of the watch shall silence thee! (The 
crowd is on the impulse to rush towards Golthoniel when 
mourner enters L. 3 with four bearing body. Instantly priest 
and Levites mount L. steps and remain on top of battlements. 
The priest praying. The funeral stops back of tomb. Mourner 
kneels. The crowd, out of respect for the dead, fall back to 
K. so that audience view of mourner is unobstructed. ) 

Chabris. 

Silence me! Kill me! (He bares his breast.) How will 
that help thee ? ^Tis the dead who will cry loudest in Bethulia ! 
Every moment new tombs will open. Silence me! Kill me! 
Put me on this stretcher with this body! 

Golthokiel. 

Coward ! Wouldst thou rush upon thy death while the brave 
and noble have the patience to suffer and to hope. 

Chabris. 

For what may we hope ? Eescue there is none. In a few 
more hours the people will go mad with thirst, and become a 
raging mob, drinking the blood of infants, and eating the 



S6 JUDITH. 

flesh of their own sons and daughters. To deliver up the city, 
to throw ourselves on the mercy of the Assyrians, that is our 
only hope! (He goes up stage a fe^v steps. The mourner 
rises. The funeral passes out R, 3.) 

Crowd (advancing from E to R. C). 
Yea! Yea! Yea! 

GoLTHONiEL (stcps towards them; they halt). 

Men of Bethulia^ would ye deliver your wives and daughters 
to the embraces of the Assyrians ? 

Ada (comes through crowd to Golthoniel). 

Better that than have our babes perish in our arms. See, 
my child is dead. 

The Women. 

Surrender ! Surrender ! 

Chabris (coming to R. of Golthoniel). 

The women agree — let it be, Golthdniel. (Ada falls back 
close to crowd.) / 

Golthoniel. 

Women of Bethulia, let me first consult Judith, the Pro- 
phetess. 

Chabris. 
He loveth her! 

Golthoniel. 

Is not Judith the most virtuous woman amongst ye ? 

Voices. 
Yea! Yea! Yea! 

Golthoniel. 

Does she not grieve deeply for her dead husband Manasseh ? 

Voices. 
Yea! Yea! Yea! 



JUDITH. 27 

GOLTHONIEL. 

Doth she not spend her nights in religious ser\dces ? — her 
days in fasting and long prayer ? 

Voices. 
Yea! Yea! She doth! Yea! 

GOLTHONIEL. 

Hath she not even interpreted the sacred books, moving 
wise men to wonder ? 

Voices. 
Yea ! she hath ! verily ! yea ! 

GOLTHONIEL. 

Have not the wise themselves named her a prophetess ? 

Voices. 
Aye ! a prophetess I a prophetess ! 

_ GOLTHONIEL. 

Let us send for her; she may give us wise counsel. 

Chabeis. 

Golthoniel, in all Bethulia there is none who hath an ill 
word for Judith. I speak no ill word when I ask what can 
she do ? Can she veil the sun ? Can she strike the one hun- 
dred thousand Assyrians blind? Can she cause water to 
spring from these dead streets and ashes ? 

Voices. 

■ Nay! Nay! Nay! 

Chabris. 

Thou dost fool us^ Golthoniel; Judith can do nothing. 
(Chabris takes three steps towards crowd.) He loveth her; 
he sacrificeth ye because he f eareth that Holof ernes will look 
upon her and desire her. (Golthoniel^ struck to the quick, 
moves up stage C.;, close to L. steps.) 



iHS JUDITH. 

Voices. 
Yea ! sacrifideth us ! sacrificeth us ! 

Chabeis. 
Open the gates to Holof ernes I Surrender ! 

Voices (some of crowd begin to move towards Golthoniel. 
Others obstruct these. There is jostling among crowd). 

Surrender ! Surrender the city! Surrender! 

• Golthoniel. 
ril never surrender. 

Ohabkis. 

Stone him! stone him! (Azarias and Kafas draw their 
swords and run to L. of Golthoniel.) 

Golthoniel (in outburst to Azarias and Eafas). 

Sheathe your sw^ords ! 1^11 fight men! not cowards ! (The 
crowd halts; draws back.) 

Chabris. 
Stone him! On! On! 

Universal Shouts. 

Stone him! Stone him ! Stone him ! (The crowd press for- 
ward. Azarias and Eafas beg Golthoniel to draw. The priest 
hurries down L. steps; hurries between mob and Golthoniel. 
The mob fling him aside, up stage. More people rush on 
picking up stones. The noise and excitement work up to tre- 
mendous pitch, amid deafening shouts of '^ Stone him./^) 

(Judith enters swiftly L. top of battlements. She runs to 
top of L. steps, overlooking Golthoniel. The crowd seeing 
her, draw back amazed. 

There is perfect and impressive silence. 

Judith is pale, worn, gentle, showing clearly signs of age, — 
so clearly that audience is instantly impressed by it. She is 
dressed in black, with white hood head-dress falling upon her 
shoulders. She wears no jewels.) 



JUDITH. 29 

Judith (in gentle voice). 
Heaven hath spoken to me in a dream. 

Chabris (appalled). 
A dream! 

Priest. 

From Heaven I (There is dead silence; then all stones fall 
as one from the crowd^s hands. ) 

Judith (in gentle voice). 

The Lord hath disclosed to me a spring. (She points to 
Heaven. Instantly^ with one great sob of joy, all stage except 
Judith kneel. There is silence.) 

Chabris. 
Prophetess, we will return thanks to thee. 

Judith (still pointing upward). 

Nay, to the God of Israel ! (The stage remains kneeling. 
Judith descends L. steps. The priest comes to K. of her. 
She kneels at foot of steps. ) 

Priest (invoking blessing). 

Judith! thou art thrice blessed! (Pause for momentary 
picture. She rises. ) 

Chabris. 

Prophetess, where is the water ? (Golthoniel rises and steps 
to L. of Judith.) 

Voices. 
Yea! the spring! the water! the spring! Tell us ! 

Golthokiel. 

Prophetess, may I ask thee to tell only myself and my 
captains. If thou tellest the people, they will rush to the 
place and waste more water than they use. (There is an angry 
snarl from crowd. Numbers rise.; 



30 JUDITH. 

Priest (K. of Judith). 

Golthoniel is right. 

Ohabris. 

Yea^ let us preserve order. The people can go^ wait in the 
cool of their houses — speedily water will be served to them. 

Judith (comes down C. crowd falls back K.). 

Golthoniel, my sisters, my brothers, rejoice with me. Wise 
as such measures are, there is no need for them. 

Priest. 
Thanks to Heaven ! 

Judith. 

The spring I dreamt of burst through the lower soil as I 
came to it, and flowed so plenteously that my men-servants 
turned its current and filled seven or eight large wells. The 
nearest is but three hundred paces yonder. (She points to 
K. 2.) (Many of the crowd rush off K. 1, R. 2, R. 3. The 
rest run to Judith, kiss her hem, and then go out R. Ada is 
the only one of crowd left; she is kneeling at tomb. Priest 
retires L.) 

Ada (rises and comes to R. of Judith). 

Oh, Prophetess! The good news was too late for my child ! 
(She sobs.) 

Judith (takes child and looks upward). 

Rest! Rest! thou little one! Unhappy mother weep not! 
Thy child is in Heaven ! Go thou home and weep not ! 

Ada (takes child). 

The mothers and babes of Bethulia bless thee. (Bending 
over child, she goes out R. 2.) 

Priest (up stage L.). 

I will go, look towards the temple, and offer thanksgiving. 
(He goes out L. 3, followed by Levites. They are followed by 
Ohabris.) 



JUDITH. 31 

GOLTHONIEL. 

Azarias, Eafas, — take a thousand men — fill every cistern. 
(Azarias and Eafas bow "' Yea ^^ and liurry off L. 3, signalling 
Keuben^ Carmi, Jael and the rest of the watch to follow. The 
soldiers all exeunt top of battlements. ) 

GOLTHONIEL. 

Though Heaven hath discovered the spring to thee, Proph- 
etess, it behooveth us to take relief to the full, and quickly. 
For we must hold the city many days. The five thousand have 
fallen to the last man. 

Judith (with tears in her voice). 

I saw them pass — the brave young men — going forth to 
battle with the foe. And as they marched out of the gates — 
Oh-h-h ! (She sobs quietly.) So many brave young lives 
to be sacrificed! 

GOLTHOxNTIEL. 

The soldier regardeth it not so ; he feeleth great joy. 

Judith. 

Yea — but those who are left behind. The wives, the moth- 
ers, the sisters. Since yesterday I have been haunted by one 
face, the white face of thy mother, when thy brother came, 
dressed in his armour, to receive her blessing. 

GOLTHONIEL (tums asidc towards L., with bowed head). 

I held her in my arms ; I can feel her heart fluttering now, 
her tears falling on my hands. (She bows her head; then 
looking up sees Golthoniel standing with bowed head. She 
comes to him and asks most tenderly.) Golthoniel, dost thou 
too shed tears ? 

Golthoniel (with tears in his voice). 

My brother ! The love between us was as the love between 
Jonathan and David. (He breaks down; then, fiercely flash- 
ing, he draws sword, holds it perpendicular, looks upward.) 



32 JUDITH. 

God of Israel^ hear me! Place me man to man^ sword to 
sword, with Holof ernes ! (He sheathes sword.) (Six knocks 
are heard without doors C. Golthoniel goes up stage.) 

Judith (quietly to Golthoniel). 
Who knocketh ? 

Golthoniel. 

A soldier is dead within; may be his own have come for 
the body. (He opens doors Q,, Judith watching.) (Enter 
C, four bearing body, followed by weeping wife. They 
silently go out E. 3, Golthoniel uncovering head. ) 

Judith (C). 
How died he? 

Golthoniel (near doors C, with head still uncovered; he 
pauses at her inquiry, then says, very sadly and quietly) : 

From — sunstroke ! (He goes out sadly C.) (Doors 0. 
close.) 

Judith (quails at his words). 

Oh-h-h ! So did Manasseh die! He stood among the 
reapers, and the sun struck him; and he fell forward upon 
his face. (With broken voice. ) Manasseh ! Manasseh ! my 
heart will never heal! (She sobs silently some moments.) 
When I heard that Manasseh was dead, a shadow fell upon the 
earth — and that shadow hath remained. (She speaks in a 
mystic, half -frightened way, mentally seeing the body.) When 
I saw him dead — my man, — my big brave man ! (She breaks 
down.) Why wert thou taken from me? — thou wert all to me 
— to me, — a childless woman. (Pause.) Alone, I have mourned 
for thee. (She sobs quietly, then steps three paces forward and 
speaks with quiet force. ) Alone ! NO! For in my loneliness 
I have lived in that Presence (dropping voice gradually with 
religous fervour) whose name is uttered in the temple (with 
awe) in the Holy of Holies — when the High Priest and the 
people kneel and say (kneeling, looking upward and speaking 
with scarcely audible breathing sound) Jehovah! (Doors C. 



JUDITH. 33 

both open, showing Golthoniel and six pale, excited officers 
talking. Golthoniel comes from their midst and hurries towards 
Judith. Doors remain open.) 

Golthoniel (coming down C). 

Prophetess, the spring is poisoned! (Doors close; hiding 
officers). 

Judith (rising and starting back in amazement). 

Ah! — mine ears throb, my heart trembleth! — what sayest 
thou? 

Golthoniel (comes to L. of Judith). 

The spring is an underground rill that beginneth in yonder 
mountain. Its source hath been filled with poison by Holo- 
fernes. 

Judith. 

Can the infidel thwart the will of the Lord ? 
Golthoniel. 

Hear me, Prophetess! Mine engineers tell me that this is 
an old rill that hath been dry for twenty years. And the 
cutting of the aqueduct hath made it flow again. 

Judith. 

Doubt they my dream was from Heaven ? 

Golthoniel. 

They say thy dream was mere coincidence — that if thou 
hadst not discovered the spring, others would. 

Judith. 

Tell thine engineers, Golthoniel, that mine were the feet that 
were led to the spring; that mine were the eyes to first see the 
water gush from the earth; that mine were the lips to direct 
my men-servants to turn its current. 



3I^ JUDITH. 

GOLTHONIEL. 

Understand me^ Prophetess. I believe thy dream was from 
Heaven^ for if there had been delay, there would now be no 
pure 'water in the wells. 

Judith. 

Ah I So clear then it is to thy mind ? 

GOLTHONIEL. 

For ever! But three soldiers who drank of the spring fell 

dead! 

Judith (in horror). 
Oh! 

GOLTHONIEL. 

The whisper ran through the ranks — reached me here — 
that thou art a traitress ! 

Judith (aghast)^ 

I! — I who love my country better than do the bravest upon 
the battlements ? 

GOLTHONIEL. 

The whisper dieth among the soldiers! — ^tis the ^eo^:?^ whom 

I fear! 

Judith (slowly). 

They know that I love them. They know that because the 
joy of the loving child is denied me that I have made every 
daughter of Israel mme! They know I would gladly give my- 
self in sacrifice to save the innocent little ones! 

GOLTHONIEL. 

The ungovernable mob, consumed by thirst, is carried by an 
impulse as straw is carried by a tempest. 

Judith. 

Thou thinkest the people might attack me ? 

GOLTHONIEL. 

Prophetess, the wells hold enough water for five days. By 



JUDITH, 35 

the sixth day at latest all Bethulia will know the spring is 
poisoned. When thirst tortures the people what will they 
not believe ? What will they not do ? when already the story 
rnnneth that thou art in league with HolofernesI 

Judith (steps forward in great excitement). 

HolofernesI HolofernesI For eighty days that name hath 
brooded over Bethulia like the power of evil I (She stares 
before her^ lost in thought.) 

Goltho:n^iel. 

Yea^ he is the head — the origin — of every act of the Assyr- 
ians; without him they are as a body without a mind I (He 
goes up stage; stops.) On the sixth day I will place strong 
watch around thy house I My soldiers and my sword guard 
thee I (Goes to doors C.^ looks at her; she is lost in thought.) 
Aye! as I love thee I Although thou knowest it not, and never 
will. (Exit C.) 

Judith (at C. looks down, speaks to herself). 

HolofernesI (Walks to L. C, looks down, speaks to herself.) 
HolofernesI the mind of the Assyrians! (Walks to C, looks 
up in prayer.) Oh God, my God, Thou wilt not forsake me 
utterly! Out of my great faith my heart crieth to Thee I Show 
me the way to deliver my country, otherwise the beds of Thy 
people will be died in blood and the Assyrians will tire of 
slaughter. Their footmen cover the hills, their horsemen wait 
in the valleys, their swords and spears stand thick as a harvest 
around us. (Pause.) Yet is their host nought without Holo- 
fernes. (Passionately.) Show now Thy servant how Holofernes 
may be overcome! (She throws her hands up passionately.) 
Give me, who am a woman, the power to destroy mine enemy! 
God of Israel, guide Thy daughter! 



CURTAIL. 



ACT 11. 

Time. — Evening of fifth day. Sunset; gradually fading into 
night. 

Scene. — A room in Judith's house. The room is large and 
lofty, with dark grey pillars. The furniture is dark 
and heavy. A large mirror is at centre of left side, 
and another at centre of right side. Four steps lead 
up from back C. of room to a raised recess ten feet 
wide, going back twelve feet to heavy rich red cur- 
tains. These curtains conceal Judith^s oratory. 
At rise of curtain there are sunset reflections 
through windows at back, R and L. 

Entrances.^DiYovigh. curtains C and L. 3. 

A table stands at E. Beside table on E. is an 
open box. 

Discovered. — Abramie and Dinah, both in low neck dresses 
and bare arms. Abramie, E. of table, is bending 
over box, while Dinah, L. of table, standing erect, 
is placing a necklace around her own neck. 
Abramie is some eight years older than Dinah. 

DiKAH. 

Look, Abramie! (Abramie takes no heed, but goes on 
working with her E. hand hidden in box. Dinah speaks 
pleadingly and louder.) Abramie I (Abramie, as before, takes 
no notice. Dinah pouts, then suddenly changes to frivolity of 
manner and runs to L. C, where she surveys herself in mirror 
on L.) 

Abramie (taking a diamond bracelet out of box, speaks 

sorrowfully). 

The last my master gave her. (She turns the bracelet to 
the light and examines it. ) 

(Eeading inscription on bracelet.) To Judith from Manasseh. 



38 JUDITH. 

Dii^AH (turning and seeing Abramie with bracelet). 

Oh! (She runs to L. of table.) How lovely! Do let me 
have it ! (She holds out her hand. Abramie, with a severe look, 
returns bracelet to box, and goes on working with her hand 
hidden in box. Dinah moves round back of table close to 
Abramie and pleads.) Do, Abramie! Let me just touch it! 
Once! only once! for kindness sake! 

Abeamie (taking out bracelet and speaking in annoyed tone). 
There, thou child! (She resumes her work in box.) 

Di:n"ah (takes bracelet in both hands and speaks to it). 

Let me kiss thee! (Kuns to C, she kisses bracelet several 
times with admiring exclamations.) Oh! Oh! Oh! 

Abramie (looking up impatiently). 

Quiet! Quiet! 

Dinah (runs to Abramie). 

Put it on me Abramie — thou knowest the catch. (Dinah 
holds out bracelet towards Abramie. Abramie stands erect 
and frowns severely at Dinah, who, cowed by Abramie^s look, 
slowly drops her arm to her side.) 

' Abramie (severely), 

Any moment our mistress may draw back those curtains. 
(She points to curtains. They both look towards curtains in 
silence for some moments.) 

Dinah (turning to Abramie). 
What! Leave her oratory so soon ? 

Abramie (impatiently). 

Teh! Like a sensible child, risk it not. (She turns to box 
and begins taking out jewels, cleaning them and arranging 
them on table.) 



JUDITH. 39 

DiJS'AH (looks at curtains, then raises hand and looks at brace- 
let, then looks at curtains, then at bracelet. Then 
comes close to Abramie and speaks reassuringly). 

She will tarry awhile to pray. 

Abramie (severely). 

Have — done! ^Tis wise for thee to leave it here! (She raps 
table, then resumes work.) 

Di:n"AH (draws back from Abramie to L. of table and reluc- 
tantly puts bracelet down. Then she looks at it and 
takes it up* Then she looks fearfully at curtains and puts 
bracelet down. Th-en she looks lovingly at it, takes it up 
and comes close to Abramie.) 

She will tarry, I am sure. (Holding out her hand with 
bracelet.) Just once! let me feel it upon my arm! 

Abramie. 

Since thou will keep worrying! There! (She snaps brace- 
let on Dinah's arm^) 

Dinah (in ecstasy). 

Oh-h-h! (She runs to L. C. to see herself in mirror on L. 
She poses before mirror.) 

Abramie (watching Dinah). 

Yet men fall in love with such, and will to the twentieth — 
aye, the hundredth — century. (She turns to box and takes 
out a beautiful fan. She opens it, dusts it, lays it on table, 
then bends again over box.) (Dinah, who has turned and 
watched Abramie^s fan business, steals up to table, and unseen 
by Abramie, takes fan and tip- toes to L. C.) 

Dinah (L. C. fans herself, bows, curtseys, smiles, to her re- 
flection). 

A Princess! A Princess! (Abramie has been taking jewels, 
trinkets, laces, from box. Now she takes a rich girdle, in- 



J^O JUDITH, 

spects it, lays it on table, and bends again over box. Dinah 
turns at girdle business, waits her time, steals up, takes girdle 
and runs back, buckling it, to L. C.) 

Dinah (L. C. looking at mirror). 

A Queen! (Walks with exaggerated stateliness to 0., eying 
over her shoulder her reflection.) A Queen! (Standing C. 
she does business, first with mirror on K., then with mirror 
on L.) 

Abramie (to herself, as she takes armlets out of box). 

Ah! — ^twas an evil day when these were put away, and ^tis 
an evil day when they are brought to light agam. Ah ! 
(Sighing, she begins cleaning armlets.) 

Dinah (hearing sigh, stops her mirror business). 

I have not seen these treasures till now, but thy sigh, Abramie, 
telleth me they recall sad memories to thee. (Standing C. she 
eyes herself in mirror R. and L.) 

Abramie (without looking at Dinah nor pausing in her work, 

speaks sadly). 

Yea ! My mistress hath not opened this box since my masfier 
died. 

Dinah (having become absorbed in her reflection on a new 
pose, speaks lightly). 
Hath she not? 

Abramie (looking at Dinah reprovingly). 

Teh !— Come ! Come ! That fan ! 

Dinah (comes demurely to table L. and puts fan on it). 
Do not censure me Abramie. 

Abramie (giving flnishing touches to armlets). 

Thou art frivolous as a child in the hayfield. (She puts 
armlets on table, and doing so sees bracelet on Dinah^'s arm.) 



JUDITH. 41 

The bracelet! (Dinah drops her arm behind her back! 
Abramie sees girdle.) The girdle! What dost thou with it? 

Dinah (comes to Abramie, L., and kisses her on both cheeks). 
Let me keep them for 

Abramie (softened against her wish). 

Nay! (Raps table slightly. Dinah moves to kiss Abramie 
again, bnt Abramie waves her off.) Kisses will not move me 
child. 'Tis no time for trifling. (She motions her hand in 
direction of curtains.) 

Dinah (draws back to L. of table and puts the arm with 
bracelet behind her back). 

I know ^tis a dreadful time of war, but if I weep will it make 
anyone happier? 

Abramie. 

I did not desire thee to weep. 

Dinah (pleadingly). 

Say thou art not angered with me. (Abramie with impatient 
gesture, turns and bends over box! Dinah silently steps to 
Abramie and kisses her; Abramie stands erect.) 

Abramie. 

Go! Go! Marry some man and wheedle him with thy 
kissing and coaxing! Come, let me take that from thee. 
Dinah (drawing back to prevent Abramie seizing bracelet). 

I do not kiss thee to wheedle thee, — I kiss thee because I 
love thee. 

Abramie. 

Keep such patter for thy bridal day. 

Dinah. 
Now, ^tis thou who art frivolous. 



1^2 JUDITH. 

Abramie. 

Nay^ I bear and forbear, as thy husband will have to do 
with thee. (She bends over box, lifts up a beautiful shawl, 
spreads it, then comes towards Dinah.) Take hold! (Dinah 
takes an end of shawl with L. hand and puts her braceleted arm 
behind her. Then with quick shuffling steps she backs to 0. 
dragging Abramie with her.) 

Abramie (severely). 

Quiet ! I am not trying to trick thee, nor to play with thee. 
(Abramie folds shawl while Dinah laughs playfully. Abramie 
goes L. of table and puts shawl upon it.) 

Dinah (comes to L. of Abramie and looks at heap on table 
which Abramie arranges). 

They are all very beautiful ! Why doth our mistress get 
out these jewels after keeping them buried in their casket for 
three years ? 

Abramie (without turning). 
^Tis a secret! 

DiKAH (loudly). 
Oh! 

Abramie (turning to Dinah). 
Sh-h-h! 

Judith (calling from behind curtains). 
Abramie ! 

DiisrAH (nearly dropping to floor). 
Oh-h-h ! 

Abramie (running towards steps). 
My mistress! 

Dinah (running after Abramie and calling in terrified 

whisper). 

Abramie! the bracelet! I cannot unfasten it! (Abramie 
stops near steps and turns to Dinah.) 



JUDITH. jfS 

Judith (from behind curtains). 

Abramie I (Abramie runs up steps and exits through cur- 
tains C) 

' Di^STAH (despairingly). 

Oh I (She runs to L. of table and puts necklace hurriedly 
upon it. Then she struggles to get oif girdle.) Oh! Oh! 
Ill fortune ! (She examines catchy then tugs at girdle, half 
crying with fright.) Oh I Oh! Oh! (She gets girdle ofiE 
with exclamation of delight.) Ah ! (She lays girdle on table 
happily.) ^Tis done! (She begins on bracelet.) Now! 
(Tugs in vain and becomes excited.) If I am (struggles) 
found with this (struggles) when so many poor people (strug- 
gles) are dying (struggles) and when all of us (struggles) might 
die soon (struggles), what sorrow my mistress would feel at 
my vanity ! (Enter Abramie curtains C. She comes slowly, 
silently, with downcast eyes, towards table.) 

DiKAH (deliberately examines catch, then works as she speaks). 

However — undue-chaste — only — hindereth — progress. (Ab- 
ramie, having been unseen by Dinah, now reaches E. of 
Dinah. Dinah starts with subdued scream and steps aside.) 
Oh! thou shouldst have spoken! (Coming to Abramie.) Feel 
how my heart is beating ! (Abramie does not obey Dinah^s 
wish, but stands still, looking sadly upon the jewels. Dinah, 
impressed by Abramie's demeanour, draws back from her, looks 
at curtains, then at Abramie, then at bracelet.) 

DiKAH (coming very solemnly to Abramie with arm out- 
stretched, speaks in hushed tones). 

Please unfasten it. (Abramie occupied with her own sad 
thoughts, mechanically removes bracelet and lays it on table.) 

Di2^AH (drawing aside a few steps to the left). 

Oh ! what a relief ! I shall never wish to feel like a princess 
again ! What would our mistress have said had she discovered 
me? 



U JUDITH. 

Abkamie (taking up bracelet). 

As tliis^ like the rest, was given her by her husband, she 
would have desired thee to leave her service. (Puts bracelet 
on table.) 

Dinah (pensively). 

And what would I have done then! 
. Abramie. 

As thou dost always when in trouble. Thou wouldst have 
gone and sobbed till thou didst work upon the feelings of our 
mistress, and didst get her forgiveness. 

Dli^AH. 

'Twould break my heart to part from her. 

Abramie (very sadly). 

Ah-h-hl (She turns to jewels and arranges them.) 

V DiKAH (awed). 

Tis6'Ae who hath saddened thee! (She looks at curtains.) 
Doth she pray? (She remains watching curtains.) 

Abramie (looking at Dinah). 
Shall 1 tell her? (She hesitates.) 

Di:n'AH (turning and coming to L. of Abramie with a question 
in her voice and manner). 

Abramie ! (The sunset glow, then the twilight, has faded 
by degrees.) 

Abramie (suddenly resolved). 
The night cometh; ^tis time for thee to light the lamps. 

Dinah (subdued). 
Yea! (She goes towards L. 3.) 



JUDITH, 45 

A BR A MI E (looking after Dinah). 

Why should that child ask me — doth my mistress pray ? 
(Dinah goes out L. 3.) What doth the child know? Shall I 
take her into confidence ? Nay I Nay I (Abramie goes to box 
R of table and again begins work. Simultaneously Dinah en- 
ters L. 3 with lighted taper, lights lamps, finally lights lamp 
on table, blows out taper, and standing L. of table watches 

Abramie.) 

Dinah. 

Why doth our mistress require these treasures ? ^Tis the 
hour of prayer. For a maid to regard them now is wicked- 
ness; for a mistress 

Abramie (looks up^ hesitates, then speaks quickly). 

That is not for a maid to say. 

Dinah. 

Thou art not cross with me ? 

Abramie. 

Nay! Nay! (She turns to box.) 

Dinah. 
Thou art troubled. 

Abramie (stand erect). 
Sorely. 

Dinah. 

Thou didst promise to tell me the secret of all this. 

Abramie. 
I did not. 

Dinah. 
Forgive me, thou didst. 

Abramie. 

I said there is a secret, and so there is in sureness. But I 
know it not. I cannot understand our mistress. There ! Go ! 
Question me no more. (Dinah standing at L. of table looks 
at Abramie who resumes work in box.) 



JUDITH, 
Dinah. 



Abramie ! 
Yea! 



Abramie (absently). 
Dinah. 
This forenoon I saw our mistress before the mirror. 



Abramie (stops suddenly^ looks up, recollects herself, and 
speaks with affected disregard). 

Well? (She resumes work.) 

Dinah. 

A long time! an lioiir! (Abramie stops her work and looks 
at Dinah.) She studied herself closely. 

Abramie (with involuntary start). 
Ah! 

Dinah. 

Is it tliat which troubleth thee ? 

Abramie (looks towards curtains, then comes to R. of Dinah). 

Dinah! (They walk together towards C). Something ex- 
traordinary hath come upon our mistress. Hast thou noticed 
aught else ? 

Dinah (at 0.). 

Last evening thou and I saw — she did partake of many 
luxuries. 

Abramie. 

Instead of her usual simple meal. ^Tis very strange ! 

Dinah. 

Thou must have seen more than I, because thou art her 
trusted maid, and dost wait on her, and dost dress her. 
(Abramie starts.) 

Amramie (controlling herself). 
She hath not been herself since she had that vision. 



JUDITH. 47 

Dinah (coming close to Abramie and speaking with awe). 

I remember my mother saying that through a vision a 
woman hath become haunted — nay, hath even changed from 
the human to the fiend. 

Abramie (looks at curtains then at Dinah, and speaks in 

whisper). 

Hush I thy words are a sin against our mistress! 

Dinah (in awed whisper). 
Hast thou seen her eyes ? — the blaze in them ? 

Abramie (in consternation: whisper). 

Oh I — thou, too! — hast seen (Curtains go back with 

noise of rings. Judith appears. Curtains fall to behind her. 
Judith is richly appareled. Color is in her cheeks. She looks 
fifteen years younger than she did in first Act. She pauses 
momentarily.) 

Abramie and Dikah (starting at noise of rings). 

Oh! (Abramie steps right, close to L. of table. Dinah 
steps L. Both overcome with awe and admiration.) 
Momentary picture. 

Judith (coming to top of steps). 
Thou mayest go, Dinah. 

Dinah (bowing). 

My mistress ! (She goes out L. 3. Judith descends steps 
and comes down stage to C.) 

Abramie (as Judith advances; looks down and speaks in fear- 
ful whisper). 

I am again alone with her ! 

Judith (at C). 
Abramie, why dost thou fix thine eyes upon the ground ? 



I^8 JUDITH. 

Abramie. 

I did pray for thee. (Turning hurriedly towards table.) I 
am forgetting my work. 

Judith (0.). 

Stop! canst thou tell me why have I put off the garb of my 
widowhood and put on the garments of gladness ? why hath 
the blood come back to my cheeks ? the brightness to mine 
eyes? the spring to my step? (She comes E. C.) Why do I 
desire these treasures ? why do I drink the wine ? why do I sit 
with my harp in the morning sunshine ? 

Abramie (with show of assurance to hide her real fear). 

After years of grieving time taketh the shadows from the 
brow, and the wishes of youth again incite us women ! (She 
looks timidly to the right.) 

Judith (with perplexed face). 
Do I comprehend thee aright ? 

Abramie (braving it out). 

My mistress, a woman altereth as thou dost under the impulse 
of a new love. (Judith is taken aback; Abramie looks away 
E. with fear.) 

Judith (under her breath). 

Love! (louder) at this time! (Still louder.) Aye, at any 
time. (She pauses and looks towards Abramie.) At the very 
thought of a new love my mind revolteth! 

Abramie (aside, looking E.). 

I know ^tis not love, but 1^11 persuade her I believe ^tis such. 
(She comes towards Judith.) Love ruleth everyone; love 
laugheth at death and sieges; love is a fury, consuming with 
hot breath all whom it toucheth. 

Judith (with haughty contempt). 
Passion ! a slaveys passion ! 



JUDITH. 49 

A BR AM IE (stubbornly). 
Love is nine parts passion, my mistress! 
Judith (pityingly). 
Where didst thou learn such character of love ? 

Abramie (ashamed, in quiet voice). 
My first and only knowledge was gained as I have told thee. 

Judith (excited). 
Among the Assyrians! 

Abramie (becoming sad, quiet and earnest). 

As thou rememberest, I was captured as a young maiden and 
kept three years their prisoner. 

Judith (comes to Abramie and puts her hand pityingly on her 
arm and speaks in gentle voice). 

When thou wast innocent and wouldst have turned to higher 
love, as the flower that blo.ometh turneth itself to Heaven, 

Abramie (sorrowfully). 

When I reflect that I can never love as thou hast loved, my 
heart groaneth like a fallow deer caught in a snare. (Judith^s 
face changes in an instant from gentleness to frenzy.) 

Judith (with fierce gesture). 
Oh! 

Abramie (terror-stricken by the alteration in Judith's 

manner). 

My mistress, my mistress, calm thyself. 

Judith. 
Nay! Let my blood rage against these Assyrians! 



50 JUDITH. 

Abramie. 
Let us not speak of them, it only arouseth thy hatred. 
Judith (to herself). 

Is it hate reneweth the woman in me — thrilleth me with life 
and youth? (To Abramie.) Tell me again thy terrible ex- 
perience. 

Abeamie (fearfully). 

Nay, I beseech 

Judith. 
Eepeat it, I pray thee. 

Abramie (very quietly, with tears in her yoice). 

I was dragged by my tresses, thrown into the embraces of 
the Assyrian chiefs, degraded in the vices of their harems, de- 
bauched in their horrible revels. (She looks down, sobbing 
and wringing her hands.) 

Judith (with outburst). 

VENGEANCE! VENGEANCE! OH GOD! upon the 
INFIDEL! 

Abramie (runs to E. of Judith, takes her E. hand, in terror). 

My mistress! my mistress! calm thyself! I beg thee! calm 
thyself! 

Judith (comes back to herself). 

Oh Abramie! (Looks at Abramie.) How pale thou art! What 
dreadful recollection harroweth thee ? (Abramie turns her head 
away fearfully.) 

Judith (kindly). 

Wouldst hide something from me ? (Takes Abramie^s left 
hand.) From me, Abramie ? 

AiuiAMiE (with tears). 
My mistress ^ 



JUDITH. 51 

Judith (folding her other hand over Abramie^s). 

Tell me thy heart. 

Abramie. 

I will^ as I love thee. (Hesitates, then gets words out.) ^Tis 
beyond me to account for this change in thee. 

Judith (dropping Abramie^s hand in surprise). 

But thou saidst ^twas brought about by love! Oh! thou 
tremblest! Didst ^d^j that, to hide thy real thought? 

Abramie (drawing away). 

I dare not tell it thee. 

Judith (with alarm). 
Abramie ! 

Abramie (with despair). 

Question me not! 

Judith. 

Yea, but I wiU. (She comes to R. of Abramie, takes her 
by the hand, brings her to back of table, and turns up the 
lamp.) Look into mine eyes! 

Abramie (looks at Judith). 
Mercy I 

Judith (severely). 

If thou f earest me, thou hast done me a wrong I 

Abramie. 

Nay! Nay! (She turns her head L.) 

Judith. 

Look with thine eyes into mine! (Abramie gazes.) Why 
f earest thou me ? the truth ! 

Abramie (falls upon her knees sobbing). 

If I tell thee — thou — wilt not — kill — me ? (She hides her 
face sobbing in her hands.) 



52 JUDITH. 

Judith (in great alarm). 

What hast thou done? (Perplexed she walks up stage to C, 
then raising her eyes is suddenly confronted by her reflection 
in mirror on L.) (In tone of revelation.) This beauty ! (Euns 
to Abramie, seizes her by left wrist and twists her upright 
upon her knees.) ^Tis thou! thou hast done this! the dark 
arts thou learnt amongst the Assyrians ! Hast given me drugs 
to beautify my body — drugged me, so when the city be taken, 
my life shall be spared by the infidels who behold me! Thou! 
Thou ! in thy mistaken zeal, hast made me as corrupt as I am 
beautiful! Answer! Answer! 

Abramie (passionately). 

Kay! Nay! (Struggling.) Let me up my mistress! (Ju- 
dith frees her; she rises.) I love thee so, that rather than 
have thee fall among the Assyrians I would give thee drugs to 
end thee. 

Judith. 

In sacred truth, then, why dost thou fear me ? 

Abramie. 

I will tell thee. This morning as I dressed thee, — (over- 
come with fear she turns away.) Oh! Oh! 

Judith. 
Yea! Yea! 

Abramie (with head still averted and trembling all over). 

And last night in thy sleep, rage shook thee. Thou uttered 
dreadful cries ! didst strike thy forehead; didst threaten; didst 
tear thyself ! 

Judith (her face rigidly desperate; seizes Abramie's left 

wrist). 

The truth!— the full truth! 



JUDITH, 53 

Abramie (gradually sinking upon knees while Judith holds 

her wrist). 

Mercy I Mercy ! Oh my mistress! — some great power^ good 
or evil — I know not which — seemeth to affect — to rule — thy 
mind ! 

Judith (releases Abramie — draws back in horror and chokes 

out her words). 

I — understand — thee I — thou thinkest — I — am — possessed? — 
(Abramie in assent^ bows her head almost to ground and gives 
way to a passion of sobbing.) (Dinah enters L. 3 and im- 
pressed by the scene before her, comes timidly to C. up stage.) 

Dinah (timidly). 

My mistress, Golthoniel waiteth in the outer hall and would 
speak to thee I 

Judith (collecting herself at DinaVs voice, but not turning to 

Dinah). 

Ask him to „ come hither. (Dinah bows.) Abramie, 
(Abramie raises her face and turns,) go thou with Dinah! 
(Abramie bows, and goes to R. of Dinah.) Judith comes to 
L. of table and takes up jewels, one by one, examining them.) 

Dinah (as she and Abramie begin walking to L. 3). 
Thou art stricken with terror ! 

Abramie. 
Our mistress! 

Dinah. 
Yea! 

Abramie. 
Hath lost her soul ! 

Dinah (in terrified whisper, looking back at Judith). 

Mad! (Exit Dinah L. 3.) 

Abramie (at L. 3, looking back at Judith). 

Yea, mad! (Exit Abramie L. 3.) 



5Jf JUDITH. 

Judith. 

They whisper ! — they watch ! — they fear the evil one posses- 
seth me! (She drops necklace ; fright comes over her face.) 
Hath my faith left me? (With horror.) Yea! — in my dark- 
ness and confusion of thought I charged Abramie with drug- 
ging me. (She breaks down^ wrings her hands.) I struggle 
like one blind or lost in a tempest! (She looks down wring- 
ing her hands in despair^ then raises her left hand and her 
despairing face to Heaven, and prays piteously.) Lead me! — 
let thy light fall upon my path! Guide me ! For I am what 
thou makest me, though thou hidest Thy purpose from me. 

Momentary Picture (she stands at tension waiting for in- 
spiration ; the idea of the mirror comes to her ; her eyes 
and face lighten; she points towards mirror with her left 
hand ; she walks to C, stops in amazement before her re- 
flection in mirror L.). 

So flushed my cheeks upon my wedding morn ! (With sud- 
den joy at recollection.) My wedding morn ! (With love and 
joy.) Manasseh ! I hear thy voice — I stand again beside 
thee! (Enter Golthoniel L. 3, speaking loudly.) 

GOLTHONIEL. 

Prophetess ! (He stops confounded at her appearance, and 
dress, and jewels. In quiet astonished voice.) What witchery 
hath befallen thee! 

Judith. 

No witchery — though why I am as I am I know not. (She 
goes to L. of table, picks up jewels, one after the other. ) 

Golthoniel (aside, L. C). 

Alas, that I should find her thus, clothed in joyous apparel, 
toying with these jewels — and her maids shook with terror. 
Alas! — the sufferings of our people, capped by the poisoning 
of the spring, have turned her brain. But 1^11 not speak of 
it. Nay! All the more Til give her my devotion. 



JUDITH. 65 

Judith (collectedly). 

Thinkest thou that because I look upon these jewels that I 
have forsaken mine oratory ? 

GOLTHONIEL. 

Forgive my speech — but — thy dress — too! 

Judith (going up stage K. C). 
Set not too much by that ! 

GoLTHOXiEL (aside). 
She answereth most calmly. 

Judith (comes C). 

Think not of this (points to jewels on table), not of my dress, 

nor of my beauty. I am myself — my self — my soul can never 

change. 

Golthoniel. 

So I believe, although at first I thought thy mind had left 

thee. 

Judith (hurt, but gentle tone). 

Didst think God no longer holdeth converse with me ? 

Golthoniel (hesitates, then speaks). 

How could I know. But this I know. Five days ago thou 
wast pale; worn with sorrowing; thou didst command a man^s 
pity, his brotherly regard, his reverence for thy great name — 
a Prophetess. (Judith stands erect with anxious face. Gol- 
thoniel speaks with admiration and wonder.) To-day thou art 
a woman, young, full, beauteous! (Throwing love into his 
tone.) Yea! all that youth and beauty give to woman is com- 
bined and expressed in thee. 

(Trumpet sounds without). 

GoLTHOKiEL (with great joy and excitement). 

Azarias returned from Holof ernes! (He comes quickly E. 
0.) 



56 JUDITH, 

Judith. 
Thy challenge ? 

GoLTHOXiEL (with intense martial joy). 

Yea! I came to thee to bless me in the combat. (Judith 
goes up stage a few steps. She and Golthoniel turn their faces 
towards L. 3.) 

(Enter Azarias L. 3.) 

Judith and Golthoniel. 

The answer! (Azarias, seeing Judith, stops, dumbfounded 
at her appearance; then he comes mechanically down stage 
L. 0.) 

AZAEIAS. 

Holof ernes sayeth he is a God ! He will fight the God of 
Israel alone upon the plain, but he will not fight Golthoniel. 
(He bows his head in despair. ) 

Golthoniel (walks aside E. bowed with despair). 

Oh ! (Golthoniel turned R. and Azarias turned L. Both 
stand with their heads bowed, looking pictures of despair. But 
Judith draws herself erect, her face and body consumed with 
rage, while her E. arm very slowly rises from her side to the 
perpendicular.) 

Judith (with right forefinger pointing upwards; looks first at 
Golthoniel then at Azarias). 

Upon your knees, ye soldiers of Israel! (Golthoniel and 
Azarias kneel; Judith stands.) The curse of the God of my 
fathers be upon Holof ernes! Upon him, the barbarian! 
atheist! mocker! (She low^ers her hand, walks to steps, 
mounts them, and faces audience with both hands clenched.) 
Will the God of Israel suffer insult, defiance, from this infidel; 
this monster, who destroyeth God^s own children ? (Pause.) 
Golthoniel! Azarias! (They rise.) I seek counsel in mine 
oratory! (She points with her right hand towards curtains. 

They bow their heads.) 

(Picture). 
(Exit Judith through curtains C). 



I 



JUDITH. 57 

(Golthoniel turns to R. with head bowed. Azarias looks 
towards curtains in wonder). 

Golthoniel (R C. without turning to Azarias). 

Did Holof ernes receive thee in person? (Azarias absorbed 
in watching curtains does not reply.) (Golthoniel looks to- 
wards him.) Azarias! (Azarias stands as before.) (Golthoniel 
comes to Azarias and puts his hand on his shoulder.) 

Azarias (L. C. starting). 

My Chief I — thy badge. It brought me quickly to the pres- 
ence of Holof ernes^ and the one courtesy he showed me was 
when he returned it by his chief minister^ Vagao. 

Golthoniel. 

Thanks Azarias. (There is a pause: then Azarias begins to 
withdraw towards L. 3.) Azarias! 

Azarias (stepping up stage L.). 
My Chief. 

Golthoniel (stepping C). 

A word with thee. (Azarias comes to R. of Gol. and looks 
towards jewels on table.) I would like to read thy mind. 

Azarias. 
Freely I will tell it thee — to the best of my powers. 

Golthoniel. 

Even now thou gazest upon the subject whereon I would 
speak to thee. 

Azarias. 
These jewels ? 

Golthoniel. 
Yea! 

Azarias. 

Though I came hither from the scene of splendour^ I saw 
nought that impressed me as did these jewels, the dress of 
Judith, and her beauty. 



58 JUDITH. 

GOLTHONIEL. 

Aye — I saw in thy demeanour the force of the — unexpected. 

AZARIAS. 

Most unexpected — I wondered greatly. 

GOLTHONIEL. 

But, with me, thou sawst and heard how strong, how clear, 
are her reason and her faith. 

AZARIAS. 

Her reason! Verily! But her faith? — such show of faith — 
strong as it is, could be assumed — a part that could be played 
— the falsely true of a great deceiver. 

GOLTHONIEL (staggering back). 

Deceiver ! — Azarias! of all my captains thou art he whom I 
love and trust, but that word had caused my sword to cleave 
thee 

Azarias. 

My Chief, thou didst ask me for my mind — I spoke it, — and 
honestly. 

GOLTHONIEL. 

Yea, I know — but through the long years I have loved her, 
keeping my love secret from her^for in my absolute faith I 
deem her sacred. But speak thy belief — speak it freely — as I 
asked thee. 

Azarias. 

With trust I answer trust. But a few years since Judith 
was a young and beautiful woman. She turned to a life of 
fasting and long watching. ^Twas premature, unnatural. It 
made her old before her time. Now, under the throb and ex- 
citement of the hour, nature hath violently and suddenly re- 
belled. So hath Judith come to her second youth, lovlier 
even than the first. 



JUDITH, 59 

GoLTHONiEL (moving to L. C). 

Thou didst ever take the material view^ Azarias. 

AzARiAS (crossing to L. of Golthoniel). 

ImiKiriial^ my Chief — I do not love her. (Judith enters 
through curtains reading an open papyrus. She comes to top 
of steps, then stands still, reading. Golthoniel and Azarias 

both look at her. 

(Picture.) 

Azarias (turning to Gol. L. C). 

As I live I am right. Judith, the Prophetess, is dead! 
(Steps back.) Behold, Judith the woman! (Azarias goes up 
stage L. Judith descends steps and comes towards table. 
Golthoniel stands L. C. looking before him in wonder.) 

AzAP.iAS (aside up stage L.). 

The woman who prepareth herself to welcome the foe with- 
in the gates. (Exit Azarias L. 3.) 

Judith (rolling Papyrus and putting it on table). 

The Book of the Children of Israel ! (Pause. ) Golthoniel ! 
(He looks towards her.) List! (He comes near.) Thou 
dost remember how Eglon, King of Moab, held Israel in bond- 
age? (Golthoniel bows a silent ^^yea." She opens Bible and 
reads): ^^And when the Children of Israel cried unto the 
Lord, the Lord raised them up a deliverer, Ehud, the Son of 
Gera.^^ (She pauses and looks at Golthoniel; he moves and 
looks at her with a self-conscious light in his eyes. She takes a 
step towards Golthoniel.) " And Ehud made him a sword and 
gird it under his raiment, and came unto Eglon (Pause) " and 
obtained audience of him alone !^^ (Golthoniel draws back, 
looking with amazement at the badge in his right hand; Judith 
declaims.) " And Ehud struck his sword into Eglon's breast, 
and Eglon fell dead upon the earth. ^^ (Golthoniel is con- 
founded; Judith rolls Bible and steps half way to him.) Thus 
by the act of one man were the Moabites driven from our land. 



60 JUDITH. 

(Comes close to K. of Golthoniel.) One — man! The Book 
hath spoken and thine ears have heard ! Seize the sword of 
the deliverer! — Glory awaiteth thee! (He recoils^ bewildered; 
Judith declaims with tone of scorn.) Dost hesitate? perplex 
thyself? 

GoLTHOKiEL (firmly^ but with bewilderment.) 

Verily! thou art no more the Prophetess! thou art Judith , 

the ivoinan! 

Judith. 

Neither speaketh to thee! (Holding out Bible) ^tis the word 
of the Sacred Scriptures ! 

GOLTHOI^IEL. 

Yea, and nay! These are not the times of Ehud! To do 
this 1 must enter his camp on the sanction of friendly parley; 
and I then, as a coward, must strike him defenceless, and as a 
liar, break my faith. (Walking aside three steps L.) Nay, 
the sword of a soldier is the sword of honor. (Judith walks to 
table, puts Bible upon it, and returns to K. of Golthoniel.) 

Judith (at C). 

Honor ? when Holofernes ref useth fair challenge, soldier to 

soldier ! Honor ? while the unbeliever blasphemeth the God 

of thy Fathers ! 

Golthoniel. 

Thy mind reasoneth strongly. 

Judith. 

Honor ? while Holofernes destroyeth mothers and babes ? 

GOLTHOKIEL. 

Thine arguments would be invincible but for my training as 
a soldier. 

Judith. 

Thy prejudice ! to abide by codes of honor, while the infidels 
force thy sisters into the tents ! — while maidens and little 
children bear the torture of Assyrian crimes ! 



JUDITH. 61 

GoLTHONiEL (walking a few steps towards L. and speaking in 
a confused way). 
I— I — scruple. 

Judith. 

Holofernes scrupleth not — he poisonetli ! 

GoLTHOxiEL (turning towards her with hope in his eyes). 

Against all laws of war. 

Judith. 

Then (she motions her right hand and points in the direc- 
tion of the Assyrians) enter his camp and strike him dead! 
(Momentary picture. Judith pointing.) Slay this prince of 
treachery, and all honor shall crown thy heroism ! 

GOLTHOKIEL. 

Thy words be my law, for now the riddle of thy beauty is 
revealed and made manifest. ^Tis for this thou hast changed 
from Prophetess to woman. ^Tis for thee I go ! (She looks 
at him. in consternation.) (Golthoniel comes close to her and 
speaks with intense emotion.) Judith, I loved thee while the 
sacred bonds of thy marriage imposed silence upon me. I 
loved thee when, as a Prophetess, thou didst consecrate thyself 
to God. But now my tongue is free to speak my heart to thee. 
Promise me thy love. (He goes on one knee.) Promise that 
if I slay Holofernes, and return to Bethulia, thou wilt become 
my wife ! 

Judith (awe-struck, moving towards E.). 

Thy— wife! 

Golthoniel (rises). 

Give me thy love and my sword shall stop at noth- 
ing. Nor treachery, nor trick, nor lie shall halt for me. Let 
posterity brand me infamous, the deed I commit for thee, my 
sword shall rejoice in it, and my heart and faith deem it eter- 
nal honor. (He comes to her and takes her left hand.) 



62 JUDITH. 

Promise ! — give me thy love, and so surely as thou dost, I 
swear to thee I can, and will, slay Holof ernes ! (Releasing her.) 
I have sworn it! 

Judith (in awe). 

Oh! (She moves from him to the right, trembling.) 
(She stops, looks towards Bible on table, hurries to it, places 
both her hands upon it, bows her head upon it. She rises, 
looks upon Bible, then turns, falls upon her knees, holds 
her hands in supplication towards Golthoniel.) I cannot dis- 
honor my soul! I can love none but Manasseh! 

Golthoniel (turning aside L., bowed with despair). 

Oh ! Oh ! (He makes several ineffectual efforts to come 
towards Judith, who remains upon her knees, looking on 
the ground before her, with her hands clasped. Finally 
he masters himself and comes to her.) Forget! Forget I 
spoke love to thee, for the woman in thee is nobler even 
than the Prophetess. (He takes her left hand, raises her, 
then moves a few steps away L.) But I have loved thee, 
as thou lovest Manasseh. (She looks upon the ground, 
the tears coming to her eyes.) I see thee now, as I have 
ever seen thee; beauteous as thou art, thy pure soul is 
beyond all earthly affection. (Pause.) But I have sworn it, 
and I go! Judith, purest of women! — the purpose of my 
sword arm be constant as thy vows ! (He draws his sword, 
points it to Heaven, kisses the hilt, sheathes sword, then he 
comes to her, and kneels on one knee.) 

Judith. 

Before I bless thee, tell me how art thou sure of slaying 
Holofernes. 

Golthoniel (rises). 

Ten years ago, when Holofernes was but a captain 
among the Assyrians, he led an adventurous band into our 
country, and had need to seek a parley. He came himself, 
held conference, and set back alone through the mountains. 



JUDITH. 63 

But his own people, fearful of our army, had retreated from 
their posts, and thus, when the evening came, Holofernes, 
seeking his comrades hither and thither, reached the spot 
where I — then a scout — stood in the crevice of a rock with my 
sword beside me. His back was to me. I could have plunged 
my sword through him — he Avould never have known whose 
was the hand ! But I spoke. 

Judith. 
Thine honor as a soldier. 

GOLTHO]S^IEL. 

And for that he gave me this badge, and told me that if ever 
I wanted a favour to bring this to him and, if ^twere possible, 
he would grant my request. So now I go to ask this private 
audience. 

Judith. 

Wilt thou let me see it ? (She accepts badge and examines 
it.) It containeth a letter I 

GOLTHOis^IEL. 

Ah! — perhaps he will meet me, and fight in secret! — Bead! 

Judith (reads). 

All truce is ended. For any soldier of Israel — even thine 
honored self — to approach our lines bringeth instant death. 
Holofernes. (Golthoniel bows his head and walks towards C. 
There is a long silence.) 

Judith (heartbrokenly). 

Thy courage, thy artifice, thy life, avail naught. (She 
comes E. of Golthoniel.) 

GoLTHOKiEL (turning towards Judith). 

And I came to thee to bless my combat with him. Our 
doom is written. To our posts we go; thou to the oratory, I 



6J^ JUDITH, 

to the battlements, there to stay till the arms of death enclose 
ns. (He accepts badge and letter from her, then he goes upon 
his knee.) 

Judith (raising right hand to Heaven). 

The Lord bless thee, Golthoniel, for a nobler heart than 
thine there is none in all Israel. (There is silence; then he 
rises and goes slowly to L. 3 ; she watching him with deepest 

P%-) 

GOLTHONIEL (at L. 3). 

Good-night ! — Good-night ! — Farewell ! 

Judith (with the tears choking her voice). 

Good-night ! — Good-night ! — Farewell ! (Golthoniel goes out. 

Judith puts her face in her hands and weeps almost silently 

for some time. Then her weeping becomes quite silent. Then 

she suddenly flings her arms from her with impassioned 

scream.) 

Judith (at C). 

Oh ! — what daring and terrible thought flasheth across my 
brain ? I shudder ! I tremble ! and am rapt ! Is it I vf ho am 
to go to Holof ernes? — Yea! — I break from the bonds, the 
fears, the traditions of my woman nature ! ' My soul, up-borne 
by this sublime thought, this mighty purpose, spreadeth her 
wings and soareth beyond the vision, aims, and reaches of the 
world ! Though the environed world should not understand 
me, I know that God understandeth me and that I understand 
God ! — My body hath changed — my beauty returned to me 
with no feeling of love or vanity. (Pause, then slowly and 
deliberately.) Would not my beauty enslave Holof ernes? — 
And then — (in whisper) and then — For no man can find the 
depth of the heart of a woman, nor perceive the thing that she 
thinketh ! — and then — (She pauses, turns, hurries towards 
L. 3, calling:) Abramie ! Ab ramie ! 

Abramie (entering L. 3 quickly). 
I am coming, my mistress. 



JUDITH. 65 

Judith (seizing Abramie's R. wrist and hurrying Abramie to C.)- 
AVhen thou wast in captivity didst see Holofernes ? 

Abramie (in terror). 
Ch ! ^ 

Judith. 
Didst see him ? ' 

Abramie. 

Often. 

Judith. 

And know^est the manner of man he is ? 

Abramie. 
Well, my mistress. 

Judith. 
Tell me. 

Abramie. 

He is a man of iniposing stature, huge limbs, great breadth 
of shoulders. 

Judith. 

Ah ! — a very strong man ! 

Abramie. 

A king in strength among men; a great figure clad in dark 
armour. 

Judith. 
Liked by his people ? 

Abramie. 

He is the fiercest despot. He hath first loved and afterwards 
slain several of the fairest women in Assyria. 

Judith. 

The brothers of those Assyrian women ? 



66 JUDITH. 

Abramie. 

None dare cross swords with Holofernes. He is their thun- 
derbolt. He hath won such prowess, performed such prodigies, 
achieved so many victories, that the Assyrians forgive him his 
great passion, 

Judith. 
To destroy women ? 

Abramie. 
To — love — women! 

Judith. 

Ah ! — thou art sure this passion is Holofernes^ defect — his 
evil genius ? ; 

Abramie. 

Quite sure. ^Tis known through all Assyria. (Judith steps 
forward; simultaneously Abramie steps aside towards L. in 
terror. ) 

Judith (at C). 

So is mine enemy delivered into mine hands! He glorieth 
in the power of his wrath, in the skill of his horsemen, the 
might of his footmen, in bow, and spear, and shield, and sling. 
Charm by the words of my lips the servant with the Prince, 
the Prince with the servant. Yea, the stateliness, the pride, 
the power, the wrath of Holofernes, shall bend like a wisp to 
the will of a woman ! 

Abramie (approaching Judith). 
My mistress ! 



Trust in God! 
One word! 



Judith. 
Abramie. 



Judith. 
^Tis God who inspireth great resolutions! 



JUDITH. 67 

Abramie. 
Let me speak. 

Judith. 

Nay! — serve me faithfully. 

Abramie. 
What wouldst thou have me do ? 

Judith. 
Thou knowest some of the Chiefs of the Assyrians ? 
Abramie (trembling). 

The nearest outpost of the Assyrians — three miles from the 
Eastern Gate — is in charge of the Chief who let me return to 
Bethulia. 

Judith (comes to Abramie). 

This nighty this hour^ we will hasten through the gate. 
(AbramJe steps back in terror.) Thou wilt conduct me to that 
Chiefs and he will lead us to the tent of Holof ernes. 

Abramie (wildly, crying the words). 

Oh! my mistress! thy reason hath left thee! Let me first 
tell thy purpose to Golthoniel and the priest. 

Judith. 

Thou knowest not my purpose. Go ! — gird thyself in silence. 
(Abramie retires, but, when near L. 3, turns and comes back.) 

Abramie. 

Holof ernes hath fascinated many women, as the serpent fas- 
cinateth the gazelle. 

Judith (standing statuesque with her left arm outstretched 
speaks loudly, despotically). 

As I command thee ! (Abramie goes a few steps towards L. 
3, then returns to Judith. ) 



68 JUDITH. 

Abramie. 

Hear rne, I beg thee! How canst thou go to Holofernes ? 
thou — a woman ? 

Judith (catching the word " woman '^ as an inspiration). 

Yea! — the woman! — (Dropping her voice to gentle tones.) 
And when I appear before him, he shall see — the woman ! The 
woman with her loving arms, her gentle voice, her milk-sweet 
breath, her caressing glances, her yielding and responsive 
nature. 

Abramie (aghastV 

Heaven protect thee, for as thy reason leaveth thee, thou 
growest more and more beautiful! (Bursting into tears, she 
goes out L. 3.) 

Judith (to audience). 

I would be as beautiful as the perfumed bride of Solomon^s 
song! 



CURTAIK. 



ACT III. 

THE SAME N^IGHT. 

Scene, — Holofernes^ tent. Incense burns among pillars of tent. 
At K. U. E. the large tent door is wide open^ show- 
ing moonlit scene^ with Bethulia in the distance^ 
and two hills between Bethulia and K. U. E., the 
one nearer Bethulia being larger than the other. 
At L. U. E. and close to L. 3^ two heavy curtains 
hide Holofernes^ sleeping chamber. At L. C. there 
is a table with golden wine tankards and sumptu- 
ous wine jars. Up stage C. and L. and K. there 
are several luxurious couches. Golden candlesticks 
with lighted candles are at intervals over stage. 
Down stage L. there is a raised Dais, facing E. 
There is a clear passage from K. U. E. to 0., and 
thencfi to Dais. 

Entrances.—^. U. E. L. U. E. L. 3. 

Discovered. — An animated, brilliant and luxurious dancing 
scene. The centre of stage is occupied by women 
dancers. Assyrian officers stand or recline up stage, 
and L. and E. Some are seated with women. 
Musicians are seated between Dais and L. wing. 
Soldiers and attendants. All the Assyrians have 
dark brown compexions and all are elated with 
wine. After several minutes dancing, some of the 
dancers sit; others recline in the embraces of the 
officers. The rest pose in several successive atti- 
tudes before the officers. On the final pose, the 
music ceases with the entrance of Vagao, and the 
dancers who have been posing, fall back with aban- 
don among officers. 

(Enter Vagao laughing E. U. E). 



70 JUDITH. 

Vagao (mockingly). 

Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! The Israelites cried with a loud 
voice. 

All (turning towards Vagao). 
Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! 

Vagao (coming down R. C). 
And Heaven sent them a landslip ! 

All. 
Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! 

Vagao (R. C). 

Their Captain planned a surprise. Ha! Ha! Ha! But 
their five thousand marched into the arms of Holofernes ! 

All. 

Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! 

Vagao (laughingly, mockingly). 

So wine! wine! wine! (An attendant comes to R. of Vagao 
with wine tankard.) Look towards Bethulia (he points), ye 
Captains of Assyria, and drink to the shame and downfall of 
Israel ! 

Captains (with boisterous laughter and mocking cries of 
'^ Bethulia ^^ accept wine tankards from attendants, throng 
towards R. U. E., and, looking towards Bethulia, and 
holding their tankards aloft, shout). 

To the shame and downfall or Israel! (They drink; then 
hand tankards to attendants, and disperse themselves laugh- 
ing among the women.) Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! (Enter Ar- 
zaele R. U. E. attended by four slaves.) Vagao hands tankard 
to attendant, hastens up stage to meet Arzaele, bends on one 
knee to her, escorts her to C, takes tankard from attendant. 



JUDITH. 71 

Vagao (in altered, earnest and worshipful tone, in marked 
contrast to his preceding mockery). 

Drink, ye Captains of Assyria, to Arzaele, Queen of the 
Harems! In the tent of Holof ernes beauty is religion, and 
Arzaele reigneth! (Holding tankard high.) Arzaele, our 
Queen! (Arzaele smiles graciously upon Vagao and officers 
near. Attendants quickly fill tankards.) 

Captaiks (with solemn emphasis). 

Arzaele, our Queen ! (They drink. ) (The court breaks into 
groups, do conversation and laughing, dallying, drinking, etc., 
forming background to Arzaele and Vagao. Arzaele goes to dais 
and sits at foot.) 

Vagao (aside, C, as Arzaele goes to dais). 

Haughty Arzaele! How I love thee! and how vainly! (He 
turns his head E., pondering, aside.) Though I am thy 
trusted friend, I am the most miserable in Assyria! (He sighs.) 
Ah! 

Arzaele (seated before dais). 
Vagao ! 

Vagao. 

Queen! (He comes to E. of her.) 

Arzaele. 
Thou didst ponder ? 

Vagao. 

On the magnificent scene ! Holof ernes arose and spoke thus 
to their emissary! (He places E. foot forward with extended 
E. arm and forefinger.) ^^ Send thou thy God against me, and 
I will fight him upon the plain ! Send thy God, if he be real 
and have valour ! '^ 

Arzaele. 

^Tis strange that such a thought should make thee sigh, 
Vagao! (She rises, come C.) 



72 JUDITH, 

Vagao (taken aback). 

• I thought of our lord Holof ernes. Bethulia succumbeth to 
thirst — therefore, why should ]ie gnaw his lips, fret, chafe, 
aye, storm? 

Arzaele (draws herself up very proudly). 

My lord is wise. He seeketh happiness in the thunder of 
battle, the charge of battalions ! 

Vagao (comes to L. of her). 

Queen! He hath softer, dearer, sweeter, pleasures — thy 
counsel, thy smiles, thy endearments, thy bountiful store of 
delights. He loveth thee! (Arzaele shows great pleasure. 
Drums without play a short rally, trumpets blow.) 

Soldiers (without, shouting). 
Holof ernes! Holof ernes! Holof ernes! 

Arazele (excitedly at C). 
The battle-cry ! (To Vagao. ) Thou hast heard no order ? 

Vagao. 

Nay, but he hath appeared in armour. (They move close 

to dais.) 

(Music.) 

(The Court, on the shout without, has instantly 
changed its light merriment to absolute solemnity and 
faces K. U. E. 

Enter, K. U. E., twelve maidens two deep, in white, 
with flowing hair, each swinging silver lamp. Behind 
maidens come twelve big warriors, each with a drawn 
sword. The maidens range behind dais. The warriors 
behind maidens. 

Enter Holof ernes, E. U. E., in full armour, with 
rolled map in his L. hand. All Court kneel. Holofernes 
comes C. Music stops). 



JUDITH. 73 

HOLOFERNES (at C, loud command). 

Vagao ! ( Vagao rises from knees, hurries to L. of Holof ernes 
and kneels.) To-morrow I storm Betliulial 

Captai>hS (leap to their feet, drawing their swords, holding 
them aloft with outburst of delight). 

HolofernesI llolofernesi Holof ernes I (Holof ernes extends 
his L. hand towards captains. They, at this signal, hurry out 
joyously, E. U. E.^ holding their swords aloft. ZebduUa comes 
to E. of Holofernes.) 

Vagao. 

My lord, I go to issue thy command. (He hurries out E. 
U. E. with captains.) 

Zebdulla. 

Wilt thou give us the plan of the assault, my lord ? 

HOLOFER]S^ES. 

Eange all our forces closer by two miles. (He holds out his 
arms.) Crush them! (He brings his arms together.) 

Zebdulla. 
And the signal, my lord ? 

Holoferxes. 

March all the squadrons but mine own to their posts. That 
being done, order my squadron to the foot of the second hill- 
top. (He points.) Then come to me — I will name the 
signal. (Zebdulla bows and hurries out E. U. E. in silence.) 

Arzaele (comes to L. of Holofernes and kneels; the rest of 
court still kneeling). 

My lord, thy soldiers surround them, none can escape, thirst 
killeth them; so are they overthrown where they dwell before 
thy sword cometh against them I 



74 JUDITH. 

HOLOFERNES (in fury). 

Let none dare to counsel my will ! To-morrow I destroy them 
as one man ! Their houses shall be drunken with their blood ; 
their streets shall be filled with their dead. (Loud rolling of 
drums without, and loud blare of trumpets as accompaniment 
to tremendous cheering of Holof ernes^ name. ) 

Soldiers (without; tremendous cheers). 
Holof ernes! Holof ernes! Holof ernes! 

HoLOFEii]!^ES (holding his R. fist clenched towards Bethulia). 

So shall they shout upon thy ruins! (Holof ernes walks past 
Arzaele to dais, seats himself and studies map. Court rises, 
breaks into talking and excited groups.) 

Arzaele (rises, comes to foot of dais and kneels R. of him; she 
speaks pleadingly). 

My lord, thou hast lived in thy rage for five days ! (He looks 
at her with sullen anger.) With the dawn the joy of battle 
Cometh to thee! (His face relaxes.) Meanwhile let me soothe 
thee, with love, and wine, and dances. 

HoLOEERNES (with reluctant conseut). 

The dance, while I study my map. (She smiles upon him; 
it pleases him.) Afterwards a song from thee. 

Arzaele (kissing his R. hand). 

My king, I am forgiven. I will sing the song that sounded 
so sweetly among the flowers on the banks of thy native river. 
(She rises and motions musicians behind dais. Harps strike 
loud notes and first row of dancers run into place and sway and 
pose to subdued music). Thy courage breaketh the battles. 
Oh, Holof ernes! At thy frown the nations are affrighted! (She 
again motions musicians; harps again strike, and second row 
of dancers run into place, and sway and pose to subdued music.) 
Thy steed neigheth on thrones and sleepeth on alters. (Once 



' 



JUDITH. 75 

more she motions musicians; and once more harps strike, and 
third row of dancers run into place and sway and pose to sub- 
dued music. Thou givest thine enemies as a prey, their wives 
and daughters as a spoil. (Arzaele sits at foot of dais and 
watches Holofernes with love and admiration. Music strikes 
loudly, boldly. Dance proceeds. Vagao enters L. 3, and comes 
E. of Arzaele. Holofernes resumes study of map. The dance 
changes to a light and graceful step to subdued music.) 

Captaijst (without). 

Thou canst not enter. 

Judith (without). 

Pray, Captain, allow me to pass; I must see Holofernes; I 
bring good news. 

Holofernes (leans forward, listens; he holds up E. hand). 

Hold! (Dancers and musicians stop, and dancers fall back. 
Enter Judith E. U. E., followed by Abramie. Holofernes 
speaks aside, with ^lis face turned L. ) Who is this who 
Cometh with the carriage of a queen, and the face and voice of 
an angel? (Arzaele shows uneasiness. Holofernes puts map 
aside L. Court throngs to see Judith. A heavy black mantle 
completely covers her, but her veil is thrown back. She comes 
to dais and kneels; Abramie also kneels. JuditVs white and 
pink complexion is in marked contrast to the dark brown of 
the Assyrians.) 

Holofernes, 

Woman ! Who art thou ? 

Judith (on knees). 

I am Judith, the chief woman of Bethulia. (General sur- 
prise ; Arzaele leans forward watching Judith. ) 

Holofernes. 

Yea, and the object of thy visit ? 



76 JUDITH. 

Judith. 
To do obeisance to my Lord Holofernes. 

HOLOFERNES. 

Dost mean thou hast left thine own people ? 

Judith. 
For ever;, my lord. (Arzaele rises with concern.) 

HOLOFEENES. 

And now thou wishest to pay allegiance to Assyria ? 

Judith. 
Yea, my lord. 

HOLOFERKES. 

Else woman. (Judith rises.) Be of good comfort and fear 
not. For I hurt none who is willing to serve me. But why 
hast thou left thine own people ? (Arzaele leans forward to 
watch Judith closely, and motions Vagao to watch with her.) 

Judith. 

I am religious, my lord, and day and night I serve my God. 
(General movement and sensation.) 

Holofernes (sternly interrupting her). 

Woman, I have challenged thy God ! (To attendants at back 
of stage.) Draw back the tent! (The tent is drawn back from 
E. U. E. to E. wdng, and from E. IT. E. to curtains of Holo- 
fernes^ sleeping chamber, L. U. E., discovering immense fields 
of tents, and soldiery, and camp fires. All look at picture. 
Abramie clings in terror to Judith. Judith remains calm.) 

HOLOFERKES. 

Behold mine army ! At my hand and sign thy people yonder 
will be rent piecemeal, and their God, who fighteth for them, is 
helpless before me. 



JUDITH, 77 

Judith. 

Because of thy might I have come to serve thee. (Vagao 
and Arzaele interchange glances. Arzaele leans forward with 
anger and suspicion.) 

HOLOFERKES. 

If thou wishest to serve me, why avowest thou a false God in 
my presence ? 

Judith. 

I am come to declare words of truths though my life be the 
forfeit. (General sensation.) 

HoLOEERis'ES (with anger). 

I bade thee be of good comfort and not to fear. And I told 
thee I hurt none who is willing to serve me. But here thou 
shalt not bring thy religion. 

Judith (pointing upward)! 

I worship the Most High God I (There is general conster- 
nation.) 

Vagao (aghast). 

She hath asked for sentence of death I (Holof ernes signals. 
Four swordsmen with drawn swords come from L. C. and stand 
two each side of Judith. Abramie crouches sobbing beside 
Judith. Judith stands erect^, pointing upward.) 

Vagao. 
If he signaleth, she dieth I 

Arzaele (looking at Judith; speaks in wonder). 

She trembleth not I what courage! (She looks at Holof ernes. ) 
He struggleth with himself! She seeth it! ^Tis not courage! 
^Tis serpent wisdom! She knoweth she is a beautiful woman? 

HoLOFERis'ES (after a great struggle). 
Woman! presume not too far upon thy sex and beauty! 



78 JUDITH. 

Arzaele (aside, with gesture of rage and hatred). 
Ah! 

HOLOFERKES. 

In private thou mayest or rnayest not worship thy God, but 
obtrude not His name upon the Assyrians. (He signals to Vagao. 
Swordsmen fall back among crowd.) 

Vagao (comes to L. of Judith). 

That decree meaneth, that any in Assyria is free to take thy 
life if thou transgress our lord's command. (He retires to E. of 
Arzaele.) 

Judith (kneels on one knee and bows to Holofernes). 

I promise thee, my lord, that I will not mention my religion 
to any in Assyria. 

HOLOEERNES. 

Well! Kise, woman! (To attendant. ) Give me wine! (Judith 
looks down. ) 

Vagao (to Arzaele). 
A compromise? 

Arzaele. 

A victory over his heart! (Holofernes accepts wine and 
drinks. ) 

Vagao. 
She seeketh that ? 

Arzaele. 

Her religion is but a trick to fix his attention upon her. 

Vagao. 

Aye! and in no other way could she have so commanded it. 

Arzaele. 

Indeed ! at first I thought her beautiful, but now I feel she 
is most subtle. 



But— her object? 



JUDITH. 
Vagao. 



Arzaele. 
Watch ! he is about to speak I 

HOLOFERNES. 

Woman^ come closer! Why hast thou fled from thine own 
people I 

Arzaele. 
He suspecteth her! 

Judith. 

My lord, when I began to tell thee, I did anger thee. Suffer 
now thy servant to speak before thee, and no lie shall come 
out of my mouth. 

Holoferkes. 
Speak, and fear not I 

Judith. 

My people have provoked their God so that their victuals 
fail them, and they have scarce any water. And they blas- 
pheme their God and are false to him in their hearts, and 
their God regardeth them not, but resteth a simple observer 
of the war. And I, who am true to my God, am fled from 
them. And I came to thee, because thy wisdom and thy 
powers are reported in all the earth; thou only art excellent in 
the kingdoms, and mighty in knowledge, and wonderful in 
feats of war! And because thou hast protected me, and 
allowed me to worship my God, and to live amongst 
thy people, I will show thee this night a secret way into 
Bethulia. And I will set thy throne in the midst thereof; and 
thou shalt not lose one life in making Bethulia captive. (Uni- 
versal sensation. Court throngs near Judith observing her 
with wonder.) 

HOLOFERNES. 

Woman, for this service I will make thee an honored guest 
in Assja-ia. (To Court loudly.) Aw^ay! (The Court proceeds 
to go out R. U. E. Holof ernes takes up map and opens it.) 



80 JUDITH, 

Vagao. 
This^ then^ is her object ? 

Aezaele. 
I know not — her answer hath confounded me. 

HOLOFERKES. 

Woman! — sit thee and rest! — thou hast delighted me! (He 
looks at map.) 

Judith. 

My lord^ I thank thee ! (Vagao takes eludith and Abramie 
to couch up stage C. Judith reclines: her head on K. of 
couch. Abramie sits on L.^ foot on L., foot of couch on 
ground. ) 

Arzaele. 

Delighted me! Through his own tongue this stranger 
striketh me ! Watching Judith with hatred she goes towards 
L 3 and stops.) 

Holofernes. 

Vagao! have a tent prepared for the woman and her maid! 
(He resumes study of map.) 

Vagao. 

My lord ! (He goes out K. U. B.) 

Arzaele (comes to Judith 0. of couch). 

Jewess, when thou canst, excuse thyself and go to thy tent* 
Then return hither, I would speak to thee. (Goes to R. of 
couch and glances at Holof ernes, who still studies map. ) 

Judith. 
What is thy name and office ? 

Arzaele. 
Arzaele, the Queen. 



JUDITH. 81 

Judith (rises^ bows reverently). 

I will come^ Queen! (Arzaele inclines her head, and re- 
tires towards K. U. E., looking back with hatred at Judith, 
who resumes her position on couch, reclining with her back 
towards Arzaele.) (Enter Vagao E. U. E. He stops E. of 
Arzaele.) 

Arzaele. 
Hush! 

Vagao. 
Queen! 

Arzaele. 

Long thou hast loved me, and I have listened not. But if 
thou wilt stir up hatred against her 

Vagao. 

My beloved Queen, I will bring the chiefs in a body to re- 
quest Holofernes that after she showeth us the secret way, we 
will kill her with her own people. 

Arzaele. 

A masterpiece of policy ! (Vagao comes down stage to Holo- 
fernes.) Oh thou, Jewess! — thou and I cannot both live in 
Assyria! (Exit E. U. E.) 

Vagao (kneels). 

My lord, the tent is almost ready — between thy tent and 
that of the Chief Captain. (He points towards E. U. E.) 

Holofernes. 

Aye! and have the sides of mine own tent drawn together. 
(He resumes study of map.) (Vagao goes out E. U. E. Tent 
falls to, leaving only entrance E. U. E. open as on rise of cur- 
tain.) 

Abramie (rising in fear at tent side coming together). 
Oh! — my mistress! 



8,2 JUDITH, 

Judith (leaning forward to watch Holofernes^ and motioning 
Abramie down). 

Silence! (Abramie sits^, looking towards Holof ernes.) (Holo- 
f ernes descends from dais to L. C.) 

HOLOJFERKES. 

Woman! come hither! (He goes C.;, Judith comes E. of 
him. Abramie stops at couch: he holds out map: he speaks 
with suspicion. ) Wilt thou show me upon this map whither 
is the way? 

Judith (drawing away R.^ surprised by his sudden and direct 

request). 

My lord^ I cannot — but — I — can lead thee. 

HOLOFERIsrES. 

This map is a true picture of the country between here and 
Bethulia; canst thou not mark the way upon it ? 

Judith. 

Nay^ my lord — ^tis not possible! I can lead thee along the 
way, but I cannot show it thereon. 

HOLOFEENES. 

An underground way ? 

Judith. 
Mostly, my lord ! 

HOLOEERNES. 

Therefore the map will not show it —but thou canst mark 
here, where the underground way beginneth ? 

Judith. 

I understand not maps, my lord. As the wild deer findeth 
her way over the hills, so would I find the way to my home 
and lead thee. 



JUDITH. 83 

HoLOFERNES (he rolls up map^ looks at her, then speaks). 

^Tis mysterious thou shouldst come to me at the hour of thy 
people^s fate. And if thou hadst an ambush prepared thou 
wouldst answer as thou hast answered. 

Judith. 

My lord, there is no ambush. None of my people knoweth 
I have fled hither. (He looks at her incredulously.) Thou 
believest me not — yet will I show this secret way unto thee, 
and thou shalt drive Golthoniel and his soldiers as sheep that 
have no shepherd. 

HOLOEERXES. 

^Tis a new manoeuvre of war, that a woman, young and beau- 
tiful as thou, shouldst conduct her enemy into the citadel of 
her brethren. (They cross.) 

Judith. 
They are no longer my brethren — they serve not their God. 

HoLOEERNES (turning full face to her with astonishment). 

1 serve not tlieir God — wherefore am I better than they, that 
thou shouldst wish to betray tliera to me? (Judith looks 
down. He steps E. and speaks aside in whisper.) She cannot 
answer! (Aside, in suppressed voice, looking towards her.) 
And now that she looketh modestly down, and I behold not 
the beauty of her countenance, I can reason with me calmly. 
(Folds his arms and looks K.) Yea, voice of reason, would a 
woman bare her breasts to the Assyrian swords in order to be- 
tray her own? ^Tis monstrous I She hath lied to me! Her 
people are prepared in ambush, but her beauty hath not per- 
suaded me — nay, it hath warned me to beware of treachery. 
(He turns to her.) Woman, I asked thee why desirest thou to 

betray thine own ? 

Judith. 

My lord, I told thee that I would bring this thing perfectly 
to pass by thee — but if thou believest me not — do with me as 
thou wilt. 



84 JUDITH. 

HOLOFERNES. 

So thou perceiyest thou canst not deceive me ? 

Judith. 

Thou wilt not condemn me to death, my lord ? 

HoLOFERNES (tums to her). 

^Tis the punishment for the spy and the traitress! But thou 
art fair — too fair — to be given to the swordsmen. (Walks 
aside E. and speaks aside.) She — is — very fair! 

Judith. 
Thou wilt let me live, my lord ! 

HOLOFERNES. 

As a captive — my captive. 

Judith. 
([> Nay, nay, my lord! 

HOLOFERNES. 

I have spoken. (Judith bends low. He points to couch.) 
Eest thee ! (Judith rises and goes up stage to couch C. 
Drums roll and trumpets blow near. He walks R. C.) The 
march hath begun! Ah, fate! the plan of to-morrow shall 
proceed as I ordained it! (Arzaele appears R. U. E.> watching. 
He looks towards Judith and dwells on the words.) And — 
thou! thou! (with deep sigh.) Oh! (He continues to look 
upon her.) 

(Judith meeting his gaze, drops her veil.) 

Arzaele (at R. U. E. aside). 

She droppeth her veil ! She knoweth he is enamoured of 
her! Oh, cursed Jewess. Even if I did not love, I have pas- 
sions! (Exit R. U. E.). 

(Drums and trumpets close at hand arouse Holofernes 
from the fixedness of his gaze upon Judith. He hastens 
R. U. E. and stands watching troops.) 



1 



JUDITH. 85 

Abramie (rising in terror at noise of drums and trumpets). 

Let us fly into the wilderness! (Drums again peal.) Hark^ 
the squadrons come I From this hour we shall hear nothing 
but the tramp of their thousands preparing to storm our city ! 

Judith (seizing Abramie by the wrist and forcing her to sit). 
Patience I Patience I Control thy timorous soul ! 

Tkoops (cheering as they march past). 

Holof ernes I Holof ernes I Holof ernes I (Holof ernes watches 
the march past Abramie rises up wild with terror; shrieks and 
faints in the arms of Judith. Judith lays Abramie on couch^ 
fans her^ moistens her mouth with wine from a tankard on 
table, L. C. Continues fanning her. Judith puts her veil up 
while tending Abramie.) 

(Enter Arzaele, R. U. E, She comes down stage, E. C, 
with Holof ernes, E. of him.) 

Arzaele. 

My lord, may I speak to thee? This woman hath come to de- 
coy thee and thy chiefs into an ambuscade. 

HOLOFERNES. 

A woman into jealousy. 

Arzaele. 
See, her maid hath fainted — put the maid to the torture. 

Holoferi^es. 
And I shall discover that thou art jealous. 

Arzaele. 

My lord, the chiefs have discussed the matter, and have all 
told Vagao they are convinced she is the instrument of the 
enemy. 



86 JUDITH. 

HOLOFERI^ES. 

That is impossible — for she is my captive! The chiefs have 
my orders ; let them proceed ! (Arzaele^ crestfallen^ goes to 
E. U. E. in silence^ stops with fierce gesture at door and exits. 
Holofernes goes to Judith; Abramie is now recovering; Judith 
drops her veil at Holofernes^ approach.) 

Holofernes. 

Judith^ thy maid needeth rest and food and wine. My 
minister^ Vagao^ waiteth without to conduct thee to thy tent 
where every luxury awaiteth thee. 

Judith. 

I thank thee, my lord. (She rises.) 

Holofernes. 

^Tis our custom before battle to hold revel. When all is 
ready I will send for thee. Come, drink, rejoice. 

^ Judith. 

I thank thee, my lord. 

Holofernes. 
And when, at my wish, the guests depart, thou stay ! 

Judith. 

I hear, and obey, my lord. (Holofernes escorts her towards 
E. U. E. Abramie following.) 

Holofernes. 

Thou hast found great favour with me, (They reach E. U. E. 
Exit Abramie, E. U. E.) 

Holofernes. 
Before thou goest I would have thee raise thy veil. 

Judith (most humbly). 
My lord! (She raises her veil and exits E. U. E.) 



JUDITH. 87 

HoLOFERNES (draws back confused with admiration). 

Beautiful Jewess I (He comes C. ) Thine eyes are the genius 
of love! Thou art the embodiment of my imaginings, the 
woman of hope and pleasure, the consummation of my life! At 
thought of thee love cometh with fourfold strength upon me, 
and now that I keep thee here my captive, the suspicion, that 
like a cloud enveloped thee, vanisheth in the glory of thy 
beauty! (AVomen^s voices are heard singing without, L. U. E. 
He listens.) Sing, ye fair ones of Assyria! Sing the sweetest 
of your love songs! Sing, lest the beauty of Judith become a 
tyranny to gall me! (AYalking to curtains, L. U. E.) Sing, 
for I come to ye seeking forgetf ulness of her in the eyes of 
other women! (Exit through curtains, L. U. E. Singing 
gradually dies away. ) 

(Enter Arzaele, K. U. E.) 

Arzaele. 

His ca^Mve! (She comes 0.) His captive ! How can I 
turn his love for her into hatred? (She deliberates. Vagao 
enters K. U. E. itnd comes K. of her.) 

Vagao. 

Since she is not to lead us, ^tis not possible for me to carry 

out my promise, unless 

Arzaele. ' 

Some other course. (Vagao bows.) How speak the chiefs 
now? 

Vagao. 

Bitterly. They say that despite her pretence and treachery 
our lord is still enamoured of her. 

Aezaele. 

Then, ^twould still be easy to raise their wrath against her ? 

Vagao. 

Their hatred is like the smothered coming of a storm. One 
rash direction would precipitate it. 



88 JUDITH. 

Arzaele. 

Manage their hatred and keep it working till occasion giveth 
us the opportunity. (Vagao bows. Exit E. U. E.) 

Aezaele. 

Now that the chiefs are arrayed against her^ 1 dare any- 
thing to win back my position. Whom could he blame? 
When any one of the chiefs might secretly kill her ? In the 
midst of their thousand swords her life hangeth by a thread, 
and shall I fear to strike when all but one will rejoice at her 
death. (Going to L. 3.) Shall— I— fear ? (At L. 3.) Shall— 
I— fear. (Exit L. 3.) 

(Enter Judith and Abramie R. U. E. Abramie R. 

of Judith; Judith wears heavy black mantle. They 

come to 0.) 

Judith. 

Converse with no one — dost hear ? Obey me most strictly 
in that ! 

Abramie. 
My mistress! 

Judith (looks round). 

Arzaele is not here — we will wait for her. Keep repeating 
these words over and over in thy memory. Thou art to come 
with me to the revel, and art to stay with me until* the rev- 
ellers depart. And when Holof ernes desireth speech of me 
alone, thou art to go and wait in my tent, with thy skirts 
girdled. 

Abramie. 

My mistress, go not to their revel. They drink blood with 
their wine; their dances become more and more shameless; 
they abandon themselves to every hateful and vicious desire. 
(Arzaele appears through curtains L. U. E. She stops at cur- 
tains.) Oh! Arzaele is watching the— hatred curleth her lip 
— she darteth at thee bloody glances! 



JUDITH. 89 

Arzaele (coming half way). 

Judith^ I wish to speak to thee^ with none other present. 

Judith (bowing). 

I wait thy pleasure^ Queen! (To Abramie.) Leave me 
and stay in my tent until I return to thee. (Exit Abramie 
R. U. E.) 

Arzaele (aside up stage, L. C. ; draws dagger from bosom). 

If thou ever dost return I (She hides dagger and comes L. 
of Judith.) Judith, I come to thee as a friend I (Judith 
moves away towards R. C, watching her. The two women 
stand looking at each other. Holofernes appears through 
curtains, L. U. E., and stands with curtains folding against 
him left and right.) 

Holofer:n^es (aside, looking at Judith). 
Other women are earth ! — thou goddess ! 

Arzaele (comes close to Judith and whispers). 

My heart is drawn to thee — I would have thee as my right- 
hand woman in waiting. 

Holofernes (loudly). 

Judith! Arzaele! (Both women start. Judith goes II. C. 
Arzaele L. C. Holofernes comes down R. of Arzaele.) Whis- 
perers are plotters! (He goes up stage near R. U. E., and 
calls loudly.) Vagao! 

Vagao (entering). 

My lord Holofernes! (Holofernes walks to C, Vagao fol- 
lowing at distance). 

Holofernes. 

Show this woman to her tent. Enclose her with a guard. 
They are to kill her if she leaveth the tent before thou bring- 
est her to the revel. When thou bringest her, disperse the 



90 JUDITH. 

guard. (Vagao bows obedience^ then motions Judith; they 
both go out K. U. E. Holof ernes looking after Judith; he 
turns to Arzaele; she cowers and comes to him.) 

HOLOFERNES. 

What meanest thou^ bringing this woman to private audi- 
ence — speak the lie or the truth thou hast made ready ! 

Aezaele. 

Thou shamest me before that stranger. Thou lookest after 
her as if she had bewitched thee. (There is silence: Holo- 
f ernes looks at her with contempt. ) 

HOLOrER:N^ES. 

Thou dost forget thou art my slave. (He looks at her with 
contempt. She draws away L.) 

Arzaele. 

My lord, I did ask her to become my right-hand woman-in- 
waiting, and a concubine for thee if thou shouldst desire her. 
(He walks to R. of Arzaele^ looks her in the eyes^ then sees 
the dagger in her bosom, plucks it, and holds it forth.) 

HoLOEERKES (holding forth dagger). 

Thus doth a wife seek a concubine for her husband. (He 
flings the dagger away L.) Slave! raise but thy finger against 
her and thou shalt die by the torture. 

Arzaele (falling on her knees). 

My lord! — I meant to kill her! This woman is a fanatic in 
her religion — she dared thee with thy swordsmen beside her — 
thou didst surrender to her treacherous tongue. 

Holof ERKES. 

Tliy tongue will bring silence upon thee. 

Arzaele. 

Hear me! When I informed thee of the Chiefs decision 
thou didst mock me. 'Twas already the conviction in thy 



JUDITH. 91 

mind that she had come here to deceive thee — to betray thee 
to the ambush! N"ow, thou lovest her! Nay, thou art drawn 
to her, by the very uncertainty, the very danger, that should 
cause thee to fling her from thee. My lord, consider it — this 
fanatic who careth nought for her life — may she not have some 
other trap for thee ? 

HOLOFERIsrES. 

Thou hast reigned long as Queen of . the Harem — too 
long, when thou believest a woman can lay a trap for me. 
(He moves toward C.) 

Arzaele (rises and follows him). 
One woman understandeth another, my lord. 
HoLOFERKES (turning savagely). 
I will make thee Iter slave. 

Arzaele (passionately). 
Blind! Blind! my lord! (She tries to cling to him.) 
HoLOFERXES (seizing both her wrists). 

I will not be defeated and frustrated of my purpose. (He 
flings her from him L., and walks towards R. 0.) 

Arzaele (following him). 

She can never love thee as I love thee. I have lived by thy 
looks, thy words, each moment these three years. And now 
this woman hath but to speak to thee — her cheeks have but to 
flush with hotter blood 

Holofer:n'es (with angry cry and gesture). 

Oh ! (In fury he walks E. C, ) 

Arzaele (following him). 

Remember the love my heart has for thee. On my knees I 
beg thee not to love this Hebrew woman ! (She falls on her 
knees.) 



92 JUDITH. 

(There is a noise without of angry voices ; they both 
look towards R. U. E. Holofernes w^alks two or three 
steps towards R. U. E. , listening. ) 

Akzaele (rising). 

Ah! (Prompted by the noise, she comes to Holofernes.) 
My lord^ the Assyrians have always hated the Judeans; let 
not this Hebrew w^oman rule both thee and thy people. (There 
is a louder noise without of angry voices and jingle of swords; 
both again listen. Holofernes again steps towards R, U. E.) 

Arzaele (following him). 

My lord, if thou wert to love this Hebrew woman, thy peo- 
ple would turn upon thee. 

HoLOFERKES (up stage R. C. turning with fierce outburst). 

Slave, thou liest! (She falls upon her knees.) The pulse 
of mine army keepeth unison with mine own! (There is a 
loud clatter and clash without. Instantly Vagao rushes in R. 
U. E. and falls trembling to the earth ; Holofernes looks in 
wonder; Arzaele cowers.) 

Vagao. 

My lord, the Chiefs drove me in at point of the sword. 
They desire audience of thee ! 

HoLOFERii^ES (in voice of thunder). 

Bid them enter! (He motions Arzaele to leave.) (Exeunt, 
Vagao and Arzaele R. U. E. Arzaele looking back at Holo- 
fernes.) 

Holofernes (comes to C). 

Her words are true! Rebellion hath come! The assault 
pendeth! The blood of my soldiers burneth for action, and the 
heart of the camp beateth to the invincible will of war ! Di- 
vision IS destruction! ^Tis the moment! Yea, and while I 
live I rule ! (Harp is heard without R. U. E. ; he starts, listens 



JUDITH. 93 

and speaks in loving whisper.) Oh-h-hl whose harp? the 
harp of Judith! (He listens again.) (With intense suppressed 
passion.) Oh, beautiful Jewess! thy music vibrateth upon 
every nerve in my body, and maketh Assyria, Yea, the con- 
quest of the world, naught beside thee ! (In burst of fierce 
passion.) Dare they oppose me! Dare a hundred chiefs, 
each with a drawn sword, stand between thee and me, — 1^11 
cut my way to thee ! (He draws his sword and faces towards 
K. U. E. Harp ceases. Enter Vagao and chiefs K. U. E. 
They come down a few steps, then stop at sight of Holof ernes. 
Holof ernes stands C. bursting with rage.) 

Zebdulla (hurriedly). 

Use thy craft to tell him we wish this Hebrew woman to be 
expelled from the camp. 

Vagao (hurriedly). 

Nay, thou — tliou proi^osed it. 

Zebdulla (hurriedly). 

/ beard Holofernes in full armour, his sword ready, rage 
consuming him ? ]^ot I for the first blow of the lion ! Let 
one more valiant shame me! (The distant roll of drums and 
noise of trumpets are heard.) 

Holofernes (furiously advancing upon Chiefs). 

What want ye on the eve of victory ? 

Zebdulla. 
That thou shalt lead us. 

Holofernes. 

Conspiracy is among ye! ye tarried when ye entered, and put 
your heads together like women. 

Zebdulla. 

Like soldiers of Assyria, thinking this Hebrew woman might 
influence thee to spare Bethulia. (A short roll of drums is 
heard in the distance. ) 



dJ^ JUDITH. 

HoLOFERNES (sheathes sword with a clash). 

Have I altered my commands ? (Drums and trumpets are 
heard nearer.) 

HoLOFERi^ES (pomting to direction of sounds). 

Who ordered the drums to beat^ the trumpets to blow^ my 
guards to sharpen their swords ? 

Captaiks. 
Thou! thou! 

HOLOFERNES. 

The attack^ five days ago — who led it ? 

Captains. 
Thou! 

HOLOFERNES. 

Who doubteth my courage is potent as ^twas then ? 

Captains. 
None! none! 

HOLOFERNES. 

Or stand forth him who thinketh this sword is not true to 
the heart and cause of Assyria ! 

Captains. 
We are assured. 

Zebdulla. 

So anxious are we, my lord, to storm this citadel, that we 
feared lest some mischance might at the eleventh hour pre- 
vent us. 

Holofernes. 
So — so — 

Zebdulla. 

Such mischance as this Hebrew woman weakening thee with 
the beauty of her countenance, and inveigling thee to spare 
her brethren. 



JUDITH, 95 

HOLOEERNES. 

Zebdulla! My Captains! War is first! Love is last! I look 
upon this Hebrew woman as ye will look upon any fair captive 
ye take in Bethulia. (There is suppressed congratulatory 
laughter and tokens of mutual understanding and pacification 
among Captains; they move towards K. U. E.) 

Vagao (steps forward). 

My lord;, the captains have not received thy word^ that after 
the revel Judith is to come and go without stop or question. 

HOLOEERi^ES. 

Vagao! My Captains! ^tis good of ye to thus anticipate me. 
Inform the camp that Judith is one of our own people. Then 
bring your officers and the dancers. Hold merry festival till 
the time Cometh for me to give the signal and to lead the battle. 
(Drums roll and trumpets blow without. Squadron marches 
past. Holofernes walks to curtains L. U. E. The Chiefs 
goto R. U. E ^ draw their swords and hold them up.) 

Chiefs and Troops (without). 

Holofernes! Holofernes! Holofernes! (Exit Holofernes 
through curtains L. U. E. Chiefs sheathe swords and exeunt 
cheerily R. U. E. Drums and trumpets sound without^ then 
die away in distance. Enter Arzaele R U. E.) 

Arzaele. 

He won them to a man. And I — poor fool — waited without 
to run between his sword and theirs. (Heartbrokenly. ) Am 
I then to be cast away ? Yea, ^tis the fate of women to live but 
a short year in a man^s affection. It seemeth but yesternight, 
he crowned me Queen. (With sudden rage, exclaiming Oh ! 
She draws dagger, hurries towards R. U. E., then suddenly 
stops.) ^Tis not possible! (She hides dagger.) The guard 
surroundeth her! and at the revel his eyes will never leave 
her! and none will plot with me against her. (She comes C.) 
Fool! Fool! I could have done it when I had her here alone. 



96 JUDITH. 

Let — me — think — the ambush! — all know that. She came 
here to deceive him — all know that. He knoweth it. (Dwelling 
on the words.) To — deceive — him. (Quickly, with inspira- 
tion.) Therefore, she hateth him I — and he loveth her! He, 
my lord Holofernes, the proud tyrant, who, where he loveth, 
taketh noughtiut worship in return. If I can make her show 
her hatred — aye — and before the Court assembled ! ^Tis the 
place — before the whole Court ! If I can there bring ridicule 
upon him and his passion for her, the swordsmen will hack her 
breasts, and he will laugh at it! But how to do it? How? 
How ? With the blood of the Hebrew women who were slain 
at his command this morning! With their blood! (She is on 
the impulse to run out E. U. E. , when Holofernes, without 
armour, enters through curtains, L. U. E., and comes C. She 
advances a few steps with arms outstretched towards him ; he 
turns his back upon her. She advances a few more steps, then 
retreats, bursting into tears, while Holofernes walks to dais.) 

Akzaele (reaching E. TJ. E. the turns with a mad aside.) 

The blood of the Hebrew women! (Exit Arzaele.) 

(Instantly music strikes. Women enter dancing. 
Holofernes takes his seat on dais, takes up map, studies 
it with serious face. Eevellers enter with tankards and 
slaves with wine- jars, E. U. E. Simultaneously chiefs 
enter L. 3, and stand near dais, between dais and L. C. 
Vagao enters L. 3, and stands between Chiefs and dais. 
Court throngs in E. U. E. and L 3. People drink and 
laugh among themselves. 

Picture. — C. down stage. Women dancing and smiling. 
Foreground, L. Chiefs talking seriously among them- 
selves; and Chiefs and Vagao watching Holofernes, with 
serious faces. Holofernes, eyes rivetted sternly upon 
map. Background, L. C, and E. Court laughing, 
drinking and dallying. (The dance continues a few 
moments ; then dancers fall back laughing amoug 
crowd, who hand them tankards. Music stops. Court 
continues laughing, drinking, business. Chiefs mani- 



JUDITH. 97 

fest resentment against Zebdulla ; he tries to pacify 
them.) 

A CAPTAIN (pointing to Holofernes^ and speaking with resent- 
ment). 
What is before us ? 

Zebdulla (with reluctant admission). 
True, he weareth not his armour. 

A CAPTAIN. 

Therefore^ will he tarry with this Judith. 

Zebdulla. 

Let "US not accuse him till he giveth cause. See, he studieth 
the map. I am to wait upon him when the order to march 
goeth to his own. Then he giveth me final commands. The 
time draweth nigh. (Enter Arzaele^ R. U. E.;, with tankard 
in her E. hand. She comes swiftly to dais, and puts tankard 
down.) 

Arzaele. 

My lord and captains of Assyria! (Holof ernes looks up from 
map with angry face and gesture. Captains take a step for- 
ward.) Hear me, my lord! Though thy lips condemn me to 
death, still shall I love thee, and none but thee! (Sensation 
among captains. People of Court, near captains, stop laugh- 
ing and drinking business, and turn with serious concern and 
watch Arzaele. Holof ernes puts map aside.) N^ow, would I 
warn thee against this Hebrew woman — this enchantress, who 
setteth a snare for thee! (Holof ernes rises in wrath. Captains 
become greatly excited. Rest of Court change instantly from 
gay to serious; all throng down stage watching ; alarmed.) 

Arzaele. 

Stay your hands, ye captains of Assyria! Mutiny not against 
my lord Holofernes ! (They control themselves ; she turns to 
Holofernes.) My lord, turn not thy sword against thy cap- 



98 JUDITH. 

tains^ who love thee. When this woman came to thee, my 
lord, thou didst doubt her — didst search her with thine eyes, 
and examine her at length and severely. And she, having 
prepared herself for scrutiny and question, bore herself bravely 
and answered boldly to win her way. Then did she avow that 
she had left her own people and was loyal to Assyria. But I 
have devised a trick to reveal her in her reality — to dash from 
her face the cunning mask of hypocrisy, and to show thee that 
her wish to live among thy people is but a lie and a sham, 
(There is great excitement and murmuring ; Arzaele takes up 
tankard.) My lord, and captains, behold this tankard! It 
containeth the blood of the Hebrew women who were slain at 
our lord^s command this morning. My lord, summon her to 
attend thee here; then, without hint or warning, pledge her in 
wine and this blood. Surprise her ! If she be true to her 
own, and false to thee, she will show hatred of thee, — hatred, 
my lord ! And once she showeth hatred, her tongue and 
countenance can no longer deceive thee to thy discomfiture 
and thy ridicule. (There is great excitement.) 

HoLOFERNES (furiously). 

Vagao — bring Judith hither ! (There is tremendous excite- 
ment. ) 

HoLOEERi^fES (seating himself). 
Wine I 

Zebdulla (advances, takes up tankard and wine jar from K. 
of dais, pours wine and offers tankard). 

^Tis half full, my Lord. 

HoLOFEKKES (accepting tankard). 

Well ! — (To Arzaele.) Now ! (Arzaele comes forward, takes 
Holofernes^ tankard, pours blood from her own tankard into 
his and hands his to him.) 

HoLOFERKES (accepts tankard). 

My captains, ye have seen this tankard filled, the first half 
with wine and the other half with blood ? 



JUDITH, 99 

Captains. 

Aye ! Aye ! (Holof ernes puts tankard down beside him.) 
Judith^ with Vagao^ enters E. U. E. veiled and with her 
heavy black mantle entirely covering her figure. Abramie 
comes behind her. Judith comes near dais and bows low.) 

HOLOEEENES. 

WomaU;, come forward and fear not. (She advances.) Kaise 
thy veil ! (She obeys.) Thou art made this night one of the 
daughters of Assyria^ who serve in the house of Holof ernes. 
(Judith bows low.) 

Judith. 

I thank thee^ my lord. 

HOLOEEKN^ES. 

Doth it gratify thy wish ? (Court throngs close.) 

Judith. 
Yea^ my lord._ 

HOLOFER]^ES. 

And thou hateth the Hebrews and loveth the Assyrians ? 

Judith. 

For ever, my lord. (There is silence and suspense; then 
Court throngs closer; then there is silence and rapt attention.) 
(Holof ernes rises and takes up tankard.) 
(All the court watch Judith with severely set faces.) 

HOLOFEEKES. 

Then daughter of Assyria, 1 pledge thee in wine and the 
blood of Hebrew women! (He drinks.) 

(Judith stands erect, smiling lovingly upon him and 
with perfect composure. Abramie drops and crouches 
trembling at JuditVs skirts, and clings instinctively to 
Judith. Picture. There is one great movement of 

LofC. 



100 JUDITH, 

astonishment and pleasure at Judith^s smile and de- 
meanour. But Arzaele sinks down with a moan of de- 
feat and despair. Holofernes.. after drinking^ looks at 
Judith and drops tankard to floor. His face expresses 
astonishment, then changes to pleasure. Then he looks 
at Arzaele with rage.) 

Arzaele (moaning). 
Oh! Oh! 

Holofernes (savagely to crowd). 

Ye are all witnesses of this woman^s proposal ? (He points 
to Arzaele^ who crouches helplessly and weeps.) 

Court and Captaii^s. 

Yea! Yea! Yea! 

HoLOEERKES (to crowd). 

Hath not the test proved the loyalty of Judith to Assyria ? 

Court and Captains. 

Yea! Yea! Yea! (Judith takes Abramie by the L. hand^ 
raises her, and moves away a few steps towards C. with her. 
They watch Holofernes.) 

HOLOEERKES. 

Vagao! take this slave! (He points to Arzaele.) Give her 
to the lowest soldier in the camp. (Vagao comes to Arzaele, 
and Arzaele, with downcast eyes, follows him in absolute 
silence towards R. U. E. Court watches Arzaele. Judith and 
Abramie look upon ground.) 

Arzaele (up stage R. C. suddenly turns). 

Beware of the Hebrew woman! Beware when thou art 
alone with her! She hideth a weapon in her garments! (The 
captains, furiously excited, make a movement as if about to 
rusli upon Judith. She faces them with fierce courage, but 
Abramie in terror shrinks swiftly away several steps towards 
C. and falls upon her knees.) 



JUDITH. 101 

HoLOFERNES (restraining them with a forward movement). 

Nay, my captains! Leave her with me I (In voice of 
thunder to whole court.) Away ! (All go out.) 

(Holofernes sits and leans forward watching Judith. 
Judith moves to Abramie and raises her.) 

Abramie (in fearful whisper). 
Dost thou remain ? 

Judith (firmly). 
Alone I 

Abramie. 

Oh, my mistress! Holofernes is drunk with wine and pas- 
sion. He feast eth his eyes upon thee like a beast that would 
devour thee. 

Holofernes (motioning his hand). 

The maid ! 

Judith. 

Leave me. (Abramie walks to K. U. E. in absolute silence.) 
(Judithi, C, looking upon floor. Holofernes watch- 
ing Judith). 

Abramie (in terror, at E. U. E.). 
Oh! (Exit Abramie.) 

(Holofernes rises, descends from dais, and comes L. 
of Judith; she looking upon ground.) 

Holofernes. 

Woman! dost see this sword? (She raises her eyes to his.) 
Because thou art a woman it shall never harm thee ! but if 
thon hast a weapon — if thou hast poison — thou diest here! 
(She throws off her veil and mantle; stands forth in dress, 
skintight to the waist and richly jeweled around breasts, arms, 
and waist. Below waist her dress is soft and clinging. ) 

Judith (C, holding her arms erect and speaking defiantly). 

Search me for this weapon, or this poison ! 



102 JUDITH. 

HoLorER:N^Es (drawing back, almost voiceless with love and 

passion). 

Oh-h! Queen of women! why hast thou decked thyself? 
jeweled thy rich beauty? 

Judith (lowering her arms and speaking with soft gracious- 

ness). 

My lord^ thou didst invite me to the revel, and didst honor 
me with thy gracious presence. 

HOLOFERKES. 

Thou didst wish to please me ? 

Judith (same tone). 

Whatever pleaseth my lord Holofernes I will do speedily. 
Twill be my joy to please thee till the day of my death. 

HOLOEERKES. 

Dost thou so honor me? (They cross, he picks up her 
mantle and holds it on his left arm.) 

Judith (same tone). 

My lord, a woman ever honoreth a prince who trusteth in 
his own strength, and in the secrecy of his own counsel. 

Holofernes. 

Thow art as wise as thou art beautiful ! (She looks away 
from him.) Thou turnest thine eyes from me ? 

Judith (looking upon ground). 
I would look into thine eyes my lord, and yet, I cannot. 

HoLOFERKES (much surprised; hesitates, then asks, wonder- 

ingly). 

Thou regardest me with thy heart? (He comes towards 
her.) 



JUDITH. 103 

Judith (looking at him). 

My lord^ I would tell thee — and yet — I cannot. (Looking 
upon floor and drawing away a step. ) Thy fame is great and 
goeth everywhere, and I have seen thee, my lord, and thou 
hast seen me. (She keeps her eyes upon the ground. Holo- 
f ernes looks at her, his face expressing wonder, then love, then 
delight. He goes up to couch C, puts mantle upon it, then 
with eyes fixed on her he returns to her R.) 

HoLOFERKES (voice shaken with emotion). 

From the first my heart was ravished by thee; my mind was 
much moved — I greatly desired thy company. 

Judith (very quietly). 
My lord ! 

HoLOFERKES (passionatcly). 

And now, that thou hast stood the test and been proved 
true in thy heart to me and Assyria, and hast revealed only 
thy charms in answer to the slanderer who traduced thee, I 
tell thee, thou beautiful woman of the Hebrews, that I trust 
my life and kingdom with thee! Thou shalt be my queen. 
(Enter Zebdulla R. U. E.) 

Zebdulla (speaking as he enters). 
My lord! (He comes R. 0.) 

Holofernes. 
Who bade thee enter ? (He goes towards Zebdulla. ) 

Zebdulla (up stage R. C). 

My lord, thou ! All the squadrons are at their posts. Thine 
own, sword in hand, is falling into rank, and soon come hither. 
Therefore come I, at thy command, for the signal. (Holo- 
f ernes walks to R. U. E. and points.) 



lOJ^ JUDITH. 

HOLOFERIsrES. 

My helmet placed upon a lance upon the second hilltop. 

Judith (aside). 
Oh! 

Zebdulla. 

My lord^ from that point the whole army will see the signal 
as one! Thine own squadron will cheer thee^ call thee to 
lead them, as they march past! (Exit Zebdullah E. U. E.) 

Judith (aside). 

Oh! (Holof ernes draws the tent close at K. U. E., then stands 
at R. U. E. and looks at Judith.) 

Judith (standing statuesque and looking upwards). 

Though I stand forlorn and desolate I am delivered out of 
all fear! (Holof ernes comes down a few steps E. C, with his 
eyes fixed on her. He puts out several candles, thus con- 
siderably darkening the stage. Then he looks at her; then at 
curtains of his chamber L. U. E. He deliberates. Still 
watching her, he walks half way to curtains and stops. ) 

HoLOFERNES (up stagc L. C). 

She — loveth — me! ^Tis the climax of my supremacy, the very 
glory of my star ! This hour, mine are the victories of love 
and war! (He disappears through curtains L. U. E. Judith 
glances around chamber to satisfy herself that she is alone. ) 

Judith (C). 

He hath closed the tent, put out the lights — my time hath 
come! Oh! Sacred patriotism! Now doth my hatred rage 
like a fire within me, and my conscience prompteth me ^tis my 
destiny to preserve my people. At last I am alone with this 
cruel and bloody monster; and mine is the power of Samson 
for one course — one action. Blind him with love, — then take 
his sword ! Now do I know why the Great God made me 



JUDITH. 105 

childless^ for if I lose mine honor^ the shame stoppeth with 
myself, but costeth the beast his life. (Looking upward in 
prayer.) Oh I that it could be my glory to keep my body 
sacred, and to have his unfulfilled desire run red in his blood 
before me I (Holof ernes enters through curtains L. U. E. and 
stops at curtains. Judith instantly changes her demeanour to 
gentleness, and looks modestly R.) 

HoLOFERNES (lookiug towards her, sighs). 

Ah I (He draws curtain aside R, revealing the inner tent. 
He stands holding curtain and watching Judith.) 

HoLOFERNES (holding curtain with L. hand). 

Come, my bride I my queen! (Judith does not move. He 
drops curtain and comes towards her.) 

HoLOFERNES (advancing). 

Come, my beloved, let me lead thee. (She retreats from 
him.) (Stopping in surprise.) What? 

Judith (she stope and speaks in loving tones). 

I would converse with thee a little while, my lord; ^tis joy 
for me to hear thy voice I 

HoLOFERNES (in loving tones). 

Thy modesty is as beautiful as thy love — I have quenched 
the lights. (Drums roll afar off.) My squadron! The hour 
before the dawn will quickly pass! (Advancing and speaking 
very softly.) Come! Come! My beloved! (She draws away 
from him two or three steps. He stops angrily, speaks an- 
grily.) Again ! — thou ! 

Judith (she stops and interrupts him quickly with soothing 

tones). 

My lord, my beloved, I go with thee, as the woman doth 
who discovereth and loveth her champion! (His rage leaves 
him; he looks at her with love.) 



106 JUDITH. 

HoLOFERNES (after a pause, passionately). 
I would crush the world for thee ! (He advances. ) 

Judith (with left arm raised towards him). 

But (He stops.) Wouldst thou pledge me as the 

bridegroom pledgeth his bride ! 

HoLOFERNES (passiouatelj). 

As the king pledgeth his goddess! (He moves towards 
table, L. C, where there are golden tankards and sumptuous 
wine jars.) 

Judith. 

My lord, let me minister to thee. 

HoLOFERNES. 

Oh-h-h! (Judith walks to table, L. C. Holof ernes puts 
out two more lights on L. Judith takes wine jar and two 
tankards. The stage is now in weird semi-darkness, all but 
the inner tent with a bright light hanging, C.) (Holof ernes 
stands back of table; Judith on K.) (Judith fills both tank> 

ards. ) 

Judith (handing tankard). 

Drink deep of the wine, my lord, as we shall drink deep of 
our love. 

HoLOFERNES (holding up tankard). 

Judith ! (He drinks to the last drop.) 

Judith (holding up tankard). 

My lord Holof ernes! (She pretends to drink, then pours 
wine back into the jar unseen by him. She again fills tank- 
ard. Then speaks with pretended passion). The desire to 
drink with thee cometh strongly upon me. The fire of the 
wine playeth wanton with my blood. Pledge me again, my 
King! Make most merry with me! (She refills both tank- 
ards; hands him one then, then raises the other.) Oh, King 
of Men! My King Holof ernes! 



JUDITH, 107 

HOLOFERNES. 

Judith^ my Goddess! (He drinks to the last drop; she 
again pretends to drink, and again returns wine to jar unseen. 
Holofernes clumsily puts tankard down and reels back from 
table, with drowsy, drunken manner.) 

Holofer:n^es. 

Judith, the room reeleth around me I Five days ago I spent 
ten hours in fighting; since then I scarce have slept — the fumes 
of the wine oppress my brain — mine eyelids drop heavily for 
sleep — I would lay my head upon thy bosom ! 

Judith. 

Sleep not, King! this is the hour of our love! Drink to 
me again ! Drink, King, to thy love and my love ! (She 
agains fills the tankards, and, holding her own tankard in her 
right hand, holds his in her left hand towards him. He stag- 
gers about trying to wake himself; then he stands swaying to 
and fro, and feasting his eyes upon her.) 

Holofernes. 

Oh-h-h! (He staggers forward, takes tankard and drinks; 
then drops tankard and stands looking at her, his face horrible, 
distorted, twitching, with passion. Suddenly his voice breaks 
forth animal and guttural. During the following speech 
Judith shrinks down stage C. :) Oh, thou woman of beauty 
and perfumed passions! — my senses madden as thine eyes hold 
me! Oh, thou Goddess of the loves of all men and women! — 
the world hath drunk thee through its eyes, but I shall drink 
thee through thy kisses and thy desire! (He comes L. of her.) 
Take now my sword! (He gives her the sword in its scabbard, 
then kneels on one knee.) For I would worship thee and 
sword as one; my sword hath brought me fame and glory; 
thou and thy love and beauty bring me all sweets of paradise ! 
(She becomes very excited; she strives to suppress her excite- 
ment. He rises in astonishment with tinge, of suspicion.) 
Judith, thy bosom heaveth! 



108 JUDITH, 

Judith. 
With love for thee ! 

HoLOEERKES (not quite satisfied^ speaks with wonder). 

And thine eyes flash! 

Judith. 

At joy of thy love for me ! (She suppresses her excitement, 
and smiles calmly and lovingly upon him. His demeanour 
alters, first to trust, then to joy. ) 

HOLOEERKES (looking at her as she smiles exclaims with 

rapture). 

Oh! Oh! (Keeling towards chamber L. U. E.) To mine 
arms! my beloved! To mine arms! To mine arms! 

Judith (with pretended rapture). 

I come, King! — I come! (Holof ernes reaches chamber L. 
U. E., looks back at Judith for several moments, then disap- 
pears, drawing the curtains close in his exit, and thus hiding 
the inner tent. There is perfect silence; Judith waiting, and 
watching curtains.) 

Judith (after a pause, speaks in whisper). 

The wine will overcome him! — then he will sleep! (There 
is perfect silence. She waits a few moments listening. ; (In 
whisper. ) He — calleth — me — not ! — he — sleepth ! (She waits, 
listens, then steals to curtains and holds them aside, discover- 
ing to audience Holofernes asleep upon the bed, his arms, neck 
and chest bare. A golden lamp hangs above centre of bed. 
Judith drops curtains, hiding Holofernes, and recoils with hor- 
ror.) 

Judith (in horrified whisper). 

Oh! (She steals forward in silence and puts out two can- 
dles. Then she cautiously draws the sword and puts the scab- 
bard noiselessly down. Then she stands still, holding the 



JUDITH. 109 

sword before her, with her eyes fixed upon the blade. The 
silence is intense. Suddenly drums roll a long distance off.) 
(Starting, with fierce whisper.) His own squadron ! (Swiftly 
raising the sword she rushes through the curtains. As she 
disappears complete darkness falls upon the stage. There is 
absolute darkness and silence for a minute. Then, with stage 
stiJl in darkness, the tramp of the approaching squadron off L. 
without comes like the rumbling of distant thunder. This 
lasts a few seconds, working up, gathering intensity at every 
second. Suddenly the near roll of the drums is heard, and 
instantaneously with the drums^ roll the light falls on curtains, 
and Judith appears through the curtains and stands at cur- 
tains with the blood-stained sword in her right hand, her face 
deathly white, her eyes dilated w^ith horror.) (The roar of the 
squadron, worked up to thunder pitch, is now capped by the 
shouts.) 

Squadkon (without). 

Holofernes I Holof ernes ! Holofernes ! (The roar of the 
squadron diminishes ; Judith listening and looking with hor- 
ror on the blood-stained sword. ) 



CURTAIi^. 



Act IV. 

Morning of the Sixth Day. 

Scene, The Great Market place of Bethulia, profusely 
decked with flowers and flags. View of part of city 
in near distance. Background of mountains. Above 
mountains^ the eastern sky and the grey of dawn. As 
scene progresses, the sky changes to all the varying 
tints of dawn; till, with the conclusion of Judith^s 
speech, the sun rises above the mountains and throws 
his light upon the stage. 

Music. 

Enter C. grand chorus, boys and girls, singing 

Thanksgiving Song. 
Enter C. boys blowing silver trumpets. 
Enter C. dancing maidens, with peach and other 

blossoms. 
Enter little girls with cymbals, dancing. 
Enter little boys with cymbals, dancing. 
Enter young women. Enter young men. 
Enter matrons. Enter men. Enter old women. Enter 

old men. * 

Enter detachments from soldiers of Bethulia. 
Enter civil governors. Enter Priest and Levites. 
Enter Captains, Kafas and Azarias. 

Music. Acclamations. 

(Enter C. Judith sitting in chariot drawn by two 
horses, led by Golthoniel. She is dressed as in 
Act III, and looks young and beautiful. She stands 
in chariot with Holoferues^ sword, point down; the 
hilt in her left hand. 



112 JUDITH. 

Judith. 

Behold! I have returned with the dawn and this sword is the 
sword of Holofernes^ and with it I cast him upon the floor — 
dead — and took his head from him. (There is universal con- 
sternation.) His sword ^and head I wrapped in my mantle^ 
and brought them with me through the Assyrian camp. (There 
are murmers of wonder and admiration.) I placed the head 
upon a lance and set it upon yonder mountain. (There is great 
surprise.) And when the Assyrians saw it;, they were stricken 
with dismay, and fled back to their own country. (There are 
great shouts and cheering, and people running to her, kissing 
her hands and robes. ) Yet, though I am stained with blood, 
I am free from dishonor. Though my beauty hath deceived 
Holofernes to his destruction, neither his hands nor his lips 
have touched me— so is my beauty without shame! (Sun 
bursts upon stage. There are cheers, and singing, and danc- 
ing and music of cymbals and of harps. 

SoKG OF Thanksgiving. 

Begin unto my God with Song, / 

With cymbals and with timbrels join; 

Tune unto Him another psalm. 

Exalt and glorify His name. 

In might of war. Great Assur came 

To seize, to burn, to slay, despoil; 

But Israelis beauty took his mind 

A prisoner, with a look, a smile. 

Great Assur slept; the fauchion passed 

By hand of woman, through his neck; 

But from his tent fair Israel came 

Unharmed, unsham^d, un watched, uncheckM. 



Curtain. 



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